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Kwanzaa Word Search

Find the seven principles and seven symbols of Kwanzaa

All seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba, in Swahili, plus the symbols set out on the mat: the kinara, the seven candles, the unity cup, the crops, the corn and the gifts. Kwanzaa is an African American cultural celebration of family, community and heritage that began in 1966 and runs from December 26 to January 1. Print it for a December classroom, a library program or a family evening.

Free printable PDF with a full answer key, sized for US Letter and free for classroom use. Want your own title or words? Open it in the word search editor with everything already filled in.

Word SearchPreview

Kwanzaa Word Search

Find the seven principles and seven symbols of Kwanzaa

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Word List

  • KUJICHAGULIA
  • MISHUMAA
  • KIKOMBE
  • MUHINDI
  • KWANZAA
  • UJAMAA
  • KUUMBA
  • KINARA
  • ZAWADI
  • UMOJA
  • UJIMA
  • IMANI
  • MKEKA
  • MAZAO
  • NIA
Free printable PDF · puzzle + answer key · puzzlepage.app

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What is a Word Search?

A word search hides a list of words in a grid of letters. Words can run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Your job is to find and circle each one.

How to solve it

Scan rows and columns for the first letter of each word, then trace in all eight directions. Check off words as you find them.

Who is this for?

Word searches are perfect for all ages, from young students building vocabulary to adults who enjoy a relaxing mental exercise. Teachers use them for vocabulary preview activities, early finishers, and classroom brain breaks.

About this puzzle

Free printable Kwanzaa word search: the seven principles and symbols, from Umoja to kinara. Medium level with answer key. Instant PDF download for December.

  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Format: US Letter PDF with answer key
  • Free to download, print, and use
  • Commercial use allowed for KDP publishers

Step-by-step: solving the Kwanzaa Word Search

  1. Print the PDF. Download the free PDF and print both pages (the puzzle and the answer key) on standard US Letter paper.
  2. Scan for first letters. Read down the word list, then look across rows and columns of the grid for the first letter of each word.
  3. Trace in any direction. Depending on the level, words run across, down, diagonally and, on hard puzzles, backward. Once you spot a starting letter, check every direction the level allows.
  4. Check off found words. Cross each found word off the list. When the list is empty, compare with the answer key to verify.

Frequently asked questions

What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa?›
The seven principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). One principle is the focus of each of the seven days, December 26 to January 1.
What is in this Kwanzaa word search?›
The seven principles and seven symbols in Swahili, plus the word Kwanzaa, in a medium grid with an answer key. It suits grades 2-6 and families.
Is there a Kwanzaa Puzzle Pack?›
Yes. The $2.99 Kwanzaa Puzzle Pack adds a crossword, a cryptogram, a word scramble, a word fill-in and a bigger word search, built on thirty new words such as unity, karamu and first fruits.
Can words go diagonally or backward?›
It depends on the level. Easy word searches hide words across and down, medium ones add diagonals, and hard ones can also run backward and upward. The difficulty is shown at the top of this page.
Is there an answer key?›
Yes. Every free PuzzlePage word search PDF includes a separate answer-key page that highlights or lists every hidden word.
What grade level is this for?›
Easy word searches suit kindergarten through grade 2, medium ones grades 3 to 8, and hard ones older students and adults. Teachers use them for vocabulary previews, early finishers and sub days. The page above names the grades this one was written for.
Can I customize this puzzle?›
Yes. Open it in the free Word Search editor with the words already filled in, then change the title, edit or add words and pick a difficulty. Downloads are free with your email, and Premium removes the PuzzlePage credit.

December and January traditions, from Kwanzaa to Lunar New Year, told as cultural celebrations families share.