Thirty-four Kwanzaa words (the seven principles in Swahili and English, the seven symbols and the colors) on printable bingo cards, with a caller list that has them all.
34 items · a 5 × 5 card with a free space needs 24 or more. More items make the cards differ.For review bingo, type answer | clue (“56 | 7 × 8”): the card shows the answer, the caller reads the clue. Two columns pasted from a spreadsheet work too. Start a line with an emoji (“🐶 dog”) for a picture square.
Showing 4 of 31 pages. (Print always prints every page.)
To save a PDF, choose Print, then “Save as PDF” as the printer. Only the sheets print.
30 different cards. No two are the same. The card number and set number on every card let the caller check a winner (press C while calling).
About this set
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African American heritage, from December 26 to January 1, created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Each day honors one of seven principles, the Nguzo Saba, named in Swahili: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). This set puts the Swahili names, their English meanings and the symbols (the kinara, the seven candles or Mishumaa Saba, the mat or Mkeka, the corn or Muhindi, the unity cup, the gifts and the red, black and green flag) side by side, so students match what they hear to what they see.
Grades: 1st to 6th grade. Best in: December.
The words on the cards
Kwanzaa · Umoja · Kujichagulia · Ujima · Ujamaa · Nia · Kuumba · Imani · Kinara · Mishumaa Saba · Mazao · Mkeka · Kikombe cha Umoja · Zawadi · Bendera · Karamu · Swahili · Harambee · Nguzo Saba · Muhindi · Unity · Self-determination · Collective work · Cooperative economics · Purpose · Creativity · Faith · Red · Black · Green · Ancestors · Community · Harvest · December 26
How to play, and five ideas
Match the pair: call the English meaning (“unity”) and have students cover the Swahili word (Umoja) on their card, or the other way round.
Daily principle: play a short round each day of the week, calling the day’s principle and one symbol first.
Symbols table: after the game, have students draw one symbol (the kinara with its red, black and green candles) and label it with its Swahili name.
Pronunciation practice: say each Swahili word aloud together as you call it, using the pronunciation from a trusted source such as a Kwanzaa picture book.
Family connection: send the printed card home so families can add their own traditions as extra squares.
Every year from December 26 to January 1. Because many schools are closed then, classes often learn about it in the weeks before winter break.
Are the Swahili words correct?
The principles and symbols use the standard spellings: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, Imani, Kinara, Mishumaa Saba, Mkeka, Mazao, Muhindi, Kikombe cha Umoja, Zawadi, Bendera and Karamu. If your school uses a different spelling, edit the box.
Can I change the words?
Yes. The 34 words are in the box above the cards. Delete, add or edit any line and the cards are rebuilt at once. Nothing is saved on our servers.
How do I call the game?
Press “Call the game”. Each press of the space bar tumbles the ball cage and pops out the next item in very large type, with the list of items already called beside it. Press C and type a card number to check a winner, P to change the win pattern, V to have each call read aloud, and F to fill the projector.
How do I save the cards as a PDF?
Press Print and choose “Save as PDF” as the printer. Each page can also be saved as a PNG picture from under its preview.
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