© 1996 BY IRENE SMALLS B.A. M.B.A. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy (unmodified) this document in electronic form provided that it is not sold to any company, organization or individual. Author credit must be included. For any use other than that which is expressly given permission must be granted.

Introduction: What "Roots" was for American culture "Irene Jennie and the Christmas Masquerade: The Johnkankus" a new children's book will be for Christmas. Reviving a unique celebration, a multi-cultural Christmas. Come meet and learn how to introduce your children to "Jonkonnu". Welcom to remembrances of the authentic African-American past. The Johnkankus celebration is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Program Objective:

1. Introduction to research on the Johnkankus
2. Interactive presentation of the celebration with demonstration and performance

Content: Whole language approach used in the demonstration and modeling of: The Johnkankus. Book source: "Irene Jennie & the Christmas Masquerade: The Johnkankus," published by Little Brown & Co. 1996 - ISBN 0316 79878-9

Methods of Presenting:

1. Geography-Presentation of Maps:
   African Diaspora - forced migration from Africa to W. Indies, America, etc.
   Map of where King Conny lived on the West Coast of Africa 1700's*.
   Maps of present sites of the Johnkankus, Belize, Jamaica, Bermuda, etc.
   

Source: *Leon Seltzer, Editor Columbia Lippincott Gazetteer of the World, 1952, Columbia University Press, New York, New York p. 75

2. Bried Discussion of the Geography
3. Review of the Research Article Roots of an African-American Christmas by Irene Smalls
4. Discussion of the Research
5. Reading of the book - Listening session with drum music from West Africa
6. Discussion of the story - Slave family structure and family relationships

Elements of the Johnkankus

7. Early protest or stinging songs from the Johnkankus -
   Student assignment to write similar songs (poems)
   Open Mike Session - Performance of student songs
8. How to: Creating the Johnkankus:

Students bring in found objects and recycled materials for the creation of props instruments, masks, and costumes. Caution: parents and teachers should inspect all materials before they are used by students.

Students create masks from paper bags, old cloth, etc.
Students creat musical instruments


Students create costumes from old clothes, found objects and recycled materials. The concept of costume should be focused on clothing that is torn or cut into trips and tatters. Note: For younger children, adults must cut clothing into rags or old, ill fitting clothing worn inside out may be used instead. For middle grade students safety pins may be used to adhere strips of rags to a shell of clothing for a tatters costume effect. Older students may sew tatters on.

9. Performance and Finale: The Johnkankus

Putting all the elements together, songs, masks, costumes, instruments, music

"Juba Juba Oye ye Juba, The Johnkankus is here."

10. Student Assessment and Evaluation - What have we learned?