In some African countries, like Kenya, tribes create unique initiation shields for boys entering adulthood. Shields are handed down from generation to generation and painted over for each new owner. Have your child make their own version of an initation shield, and decorate it with their favorite objects and colors. Don't forget to add a central "eye" to look through. This craft is a jumping off point for teaching children about the importance of cultural rituals.
Grade
Subject
HolidaysKwanzaa Social studiesCommunity & CulturesWorld Cultures Arts & craftsConstruction & SculpturePainting & Drawing
Thank you for your input.
What You Need:
- Large piece of cardboard
- Paintbrush
- Acrylic or poster paint (in black, red, white, brown)
- Scissors
- Water
- Pencil
- Newspaper
- Rag or sponge
What You Do:
- Before cutting out the cardboard shield, have your child practice cutting the shape on newspaper, which is easier to cut. Fold a piece of newspaper in half and cut out a half-oval shape, and then unfold it to see if it's a good shape and size.
- Once your child has a shield shape they like, they can lay the paper on cardboard, trace it, and then cut it out.
- Carefully poke the scissors through the middle and cut out the "eye" circle.
- Help your child dilute some red and brown paint with a bit of water, and rub the colors on the shield using an old rag or sponge. The color and spongy texture will create a hammered metal effect on the shield.
- Once the paint is completely dry, your child can sketch their designs onto the shield. They can use symbols that represent their favorite sports, foods, hobbies and more.
- Paint the designs with red, black, and dark brown paint for an authentic feel.
- Now show it off to friends and family!
Read more about typical shields here.
Related learning resources
Make a Medieval Shield!
Activity
Make a Medieval Shield!
Try this project and help him make his very own shield.
4th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
African Collar Necklace
Activity
African Collar Necklace
Make this African collar necklace for a lesson in crafting and African culture.
5th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
African American Inventors
Worksheet
African American Inventors
Your young historian will learn about the some of the most notable African American inventors with this worksheet.
4th grade
Social studies
Worksheet
The History of African American Spirituals
Worksheet
The History of African American Spirituals
In the worksheet The History of African American Spirituals, children read about how African Americans used spirituals during different moments in history, starting from their enslavement to the civil
4th grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Famous African-Americans in History
Activity
Famous African-Americans in History
To celebrate black history month, use this matching quiz to help your kid demonstrate their knowledge of famous African-Americans.
5th grade
Reading & Writing
Activity
African American Poets
Worksheet
African American Poets
This worksheet will expose your learners to important poets in the African American community.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
African American Musicians
Worksheet
African American Musicians
This fun worksheet will expose your learners to important musicians in the African American community.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
African American Poets
Lesson plan
African American Poets
Students will use a combination of graphic organizers in this lesson plan to learn about famous African American poets and their poetry.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Lesson plan
African American Abolitionists
Worksheet
African American Abolitionists
This worksheet, which reads like riddles, will expose your learners to important abolitionists in the African American community.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
African American Female Changemakers
Worksheet
African American Female Changemakers
This fun worksheet will expose your learners to important female changemakers in the African American community.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Worksheet
Make an African Mask
Activity
Make an African Mask
...masks, African masks, arts and crafts, spatial analysis, composition, art, art activity, artistic skills, African culture...
5th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
Flags of Africa
Activity
Flags of Africa
Your kindergartener will learn basic math concepts and create a beautiful keepsake with this African flag reference book.
3rd grade
Activity