Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity for schools to make history come alive and engage students of all grade levels. Gone are the days of boring textbooks and dull lectures. Nowadays, educators are taking a dynamic approach to teaching black history, making it exciting, interactive, and relevant for everyone.

From the incredible tales of the Underground Railroad to the inspiring achievements of black leaders, Black History Month offers a designated time during the school year to dive into the fascinating world of African American history. By incorporating resources like books by black authors, captivating YouTube videos, and virtual museum tours, teachers can create a vibrant learning environment that celebrates the significant role African Americans have played in shaping U.S. history.

Building on the groundwork laid by earlier advocates, such as historian Carter G. Woodson who established National Negro History Week in 1926, Black History Month now spans the entire month of February. It’s the perfect occasion to explore the incredible accomplishments of African Americans throughout history, not only to honor their contributions but also to inspire students to dream big.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the coolest ways to bring Black History Month activities into different grade levels. From awesome school-wide assemblies to fun creative writing exercises, we’ll share engaging and interactive ideas that teachers can use to make black history come alive in the classroom. Plus, we’ll point out some great free resources like virtual museum tours and materials available at local libraries to enhance the learning experience.

So whether it’s diving into the life of Booker T. Washington, discovering the lasting impact of Barack Obama, or exploring the powerful influence of black colleges in the early 20th century, let’s embark on a journey that celebrates the achievements of African Americans and fills students with pride. Together, we can make Black History Month more than just another month on the calendar—it can be a joyful celebration of African American history that inspires positive change and year long learning.

PreK and Kindergarten Black History Month school wide activities:

When planning Black History Month activities for preK and kindergarten students, it’s essential to consider their developmental stage and abilities. Here are some age-appropriate ideas:

Storytime:

Read children’s books about important figures in Black history, such as Garrett Morgan or Martin Luther King Jr. or lesser known figures like cowboy Robert Lemmons.

Objective: Introduce young students to important figures in Black history through engaging storytime sessions.

Implementation:

1. Book Selection: Choose age-appropriate books that highlight significant figures in Black history. Consider well-known figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Garrett Morgan, as well as lesser-known individuals like cowboy Robert Lemmons. Some recommended titles include “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr., “Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans” by Phil Bildner, and “Riley Can Be Anything” by Davina Hamilton.
2. Collaborative Planning: Coordinate with teachers, librarians, and other staff members to ensure a consistent and inclusive approach across the school. Share a list of selected books and gather input from colleagues regarding other relevant titles.
3. Schedule and Rotation: Establish a schedule for storytime sessions throughout the month of February, ensuring that each classroom has the opportunity to participate. Consider rotating storytellers, such as teachers, guest readers, or older student volunteers, to add variety and excitement.
4. Interactive Read-Alouds: Engage the students by using expressive reading techniques, incorporating different voices, and encouraging active participation. Pause at key moments to ask questions, promote discussion, and elicit responses from the children.
5. Visual Aids: Enhance the storytime experience by using visual aids like illustrations, photographs, or simple props related to the characters or events in the book. This can help capture the children’s attention and make the stories more tangible and relatable.
6. Extension Activities: After each storytime session, facilitate follow-up activities to deepen the children’s understanding and engagement. These may include creating artwork inspired by the story, role-playing scenes from the book, or engaging in discussions about the lessons learned.
7. Parent Involvement: Encourage parents to participate in the storytime sessions, either as guest readers or by discussing the stories with their children at home. Provide them with a list of recommended books so they can continue exploring Black history together.
8. Book Displays: Create a dedicated space, such as a bulletin board or shelf, to showcase the featured books. This will serve as a visual reminder of the stories shared and encourage further exploration of Black history.
9. Evaluation and Reflection: Collect feedback from teachers, students, and parents to assess the impact and success of the storytime sessions. Use this feedback to improve future Black History Month activities and ensure continuous growth in engaging young learners.

Bulletin Board Display:

Create a bulletin board highlighting the accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history. Creating a bulletin board display to highlight the accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history can be a powerful and visually engaging activity for preK and kindergarten students.

Objective:  The objective is to introduce preK and kindergarten students to the achievements of Black Americans, foster appreciation for diversity, spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and provide a visual reference for discussions

Implementation:

1. Theme Selection: Choose a specific theme for the bulletin board display, such as “Celebrating Black History Heroes” or “Influential Black Artists.” This helps to focus the content and ensure a cohesive and informative display.
2. Age-Appropriate Content: Select key figures and achievements from Black history that are relatable and accessible to preK and kindergarten students. Opt for simplified language and visuals to convey the information effectively.
3. Visual Materials: Gather visual resources that represent the selected figures and achievements. These can include photographs, illustrations, or drawings of notable Black Americans like Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, or Rosa Parks. Ensure that the visuals are clear, colorful, and age-appropriate.
4. Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive elements to engage students. For example, you can include simple facts or questions related to the figures or achievements displayed. Add removable pieces, such as sticky notes or speech bubbles, where students can write or draw their thoughts or share what they’ve learned.
5. Student Involvement: Encourage student participation in creating the display. Provide coloring pages or templates related to the selected figures, allowing students to contribute their artwork. This fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the bulletin board.
6. Collaborative Effort: Make it a school-wide project by involving other classes or grade levels. Assign each class a specific figure or achievement to research and contribute to the display. This collaborative effort promotes a sense of unity and community within the school.
7. Display Maintenance: Regularly update the display throughout Black History Month to feature new figures or achievements. Use the bulletin board as a conversation starter, prompting discussions about the importance of diversity, equality, and the contributions of Black Americans.
8. Parent and Community Engagement: Extend the impact of the bulletin board beyond the classroom. Encourage parents and the wider community to visit the display and provide feedback or additional information. This involvement reinforces the significance of Black history education beyond the school setting.

By creating a visually appealing and informative bulletin board display, preK and kindergarten students can develop an early appreciation for the achievements of Black Americans throughout history. This activity serves as a starting point for conversations and further exploration of Black history, fostering a sense of inclusivity and respect for diversity among young learners.

Arts and Crafts:

Have students create artwork inspired by influential African American artists.

Objective: Arts and Crafts: Foster creativity by having students create collages or drawings representing black culture or famous figures. Use simple materials like crayons, construction paper, and stickers.

Implementation: Click here to access our free craft project introducing Robert Lemmons, the Greatest Mustanger! Get your free printable and gather your safety scissors and glue for a fun and educational activity. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of this influential Texas cowboy and create something special together!

Black History Facts:

Share daily black history facts during morning announcements throughout the month of February. One engaging activity to celebrate Black History Month is to share daily black history facts during morning announcements throughout the month of February. This activity provides an opportunity to introduce young students (4 to 6 years old) to notable figures and achievements.

Objective: Introduce the accomplishments of Black individuals in various fields and normalize their accomplishments. These daily snippets of information encourage curiosity, inspire conversations, and promote a positive and inclusive understanding of American history.

Implementation: Give age appropriate facts that introduce the notable Americans. At this age talk about the accomplishments.

Examples of facts: 

1. Fact 1: “Did you know that George Washington Carver was a famous scientist who discovered hundreds of ways to use peanuts and sweet potatoes?”
2. Did you know that Barack Obama was the President of the United States?
3. Did you know that Mae Jemison was an astronaut who traveled to space?
4. Did you know that Wilma Rudolph was an Olympic track and field champion who won three gold medals?

Elementary School

Black History Month school wide activities:

For elementary school students, activities should provide a deeper understanding of Black history while remaining engaging and accessible.

Here are some age-appropriate activities:

Guest Speakers:

Overview: Invite local Black leaders, entrepreneurs, or community members to share their experiences and accomplishments with elementary school students. This activity provides firsthand insights and inspiration while promoting diversity and understanding.

Objective: To expose students to diverse perspectives and achievements within the Black community, fostering empathy, cultural appreciation, and motivation to pursue their own goals.

Implementation: Coordinate with local organizations, businesses, or individuals to identify potential guest speakers. Arrange a schedule for speakers to visit classrooms or hold an assembly. Provide guidance to speakers on age-appropriate topics and engage students by allowing time for questions and discussion.

Black-Owned Business Fair:

Overview: Create a fair where students learn about and support black-owned businesses, promoting economic empowerment and appreciation for entrepreneurship.

Objective: To familiarize students with the contributions and successes of black-owned businesses, encouraging support and understanding of economic diversity.

Implementation: Collaborate with local black-owned businesses to set up booths or displays at the fair. Provide students with information about the businesses in advance, encouraging them to ask questions and engage with the vendors. Consider incorporating hands-on activities or interactive elements to enhance the learning experience.

Black History Trivia Contest:

Overview: Organize a trivia contest based on the accomplishments and history of African Americans, engaging students in a fun and educational competition.

Objective: To deepen students’ knowledge of Black history, inspiring curiosity, teamwork, and friendly competition. Implementation: Prepare a set of trivia questions covering a range of topics related to African American history and achievements. Divide students into teams or individuals and conduct the contest in a game show format. Consider incorporating multimedia resources, such as images or short videos, to make the contest more engaging.

Famous Figures Research:

Overview: Assign students to research and present on influential African Americans, such as Booker T. Washington or George Washington Carver, fostering research skills and expanding knowledge of historical figures.

Objective: To encourage independent research, critical thinking, and public speaking skills, while increasing awareness and appreciation of notable African American individuals.

Implementation: Provide a list of famous figures or allow students to choose their own subjects. Guide students in conducting research using age-appropriate resources. Set clear guidelines for presentations, including required information and visual aids. Allocate time for students to share their findings with their classmates.

Middle School Black History Month school wide activities:

Activities for middle school students should challenge their critical thinking skills and encourage deeper exploration of Black history. Here are some suitable activities:

Research Projects:

Overview: Assign students to research and present on influential African American leaders and their contributions to U.S. history. This activity encourages in-depth exploration of notable figures and their impact on society.

Objective: The objective of this activity is to deepen students’ knowledge of African American leaders, foster research skills, and promote public speaking and presentation abilities.

Implementation:

1. Introduce the assignment: Explain the research project and provide a list of influential African American leaders to choose from, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, or Harriet Tubman.
2. Research phase: Allocate time for students to conduct research using a variety of sources, including books, websites, and articles. Teach them how to gather reliable information.
3. Presentation preparation: Instruct students to organize their findings into a coherent presentation. Encourage the use of visuals, such as images or short videos, to enhance understanding.
4. Presentation day: Allow each student to present their research to the class. Consider incorporating a Q&A session to deepen understanding and encourage class participation.
5. Reflection and discussion: Engage students in a reflective discussion about the contributions of the researched figures and how their achievements have impacted society.

Classroom Debates:

Overview: Conduct debates on topics related to the civil rights movement or the experiences of Black Americans. This activity encourages critical thinking, respectful discourse, and a deeper understanding of complex issues.

Objective: The objective of this activity is to develop students’ critical thinking skills, promote respectful communication, and foster an understanding of different perspectives on civil rights issues.

Implementation:

1. Topic selection: Choose debate topics that relate to the civil rights movement or experiences of Black Americans. Examples could include “Should schools be more inclusive of Black history in their curriculum?” or “Is peaceful protest an effective means of bringing about change?”
2. Divide into teams: Divide the class into small debate teams, ensuring a balance of different perspectives on the chosen topics.
3. Research and preparation: Assign time for teams to research their assigned positions and gather supporting evidence. Encourage them to think critically and consider multiple viewpoints.
4. Debate format: Determine the structure of the debate, including opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments. Set guidelines for respectful and constructive discourse.
5. Conduct the debate: Allow teams to present their arguments, counterarguments, and engage in respectful discussions. Encourage active listening and participation from all students.
6. Reflection and discussion: Facilitate a post-debate discussion where students can reflect on the debate process, explore different perspectives, and share insights gained from the activity.

Historical Figure Presentations:

Overview: Have students create presentations on influential figures from the civil rights movement, such as Malcolm X or Ella Baker. This activity promotes research skills, public speaking, and understanding of historical figures.

Objective: The objective of this activity is to deepen students’ knowledge of specific figures from the civil rights movement, develop research and presentation skills, and foster an appreciation for their contributions.

High School

Black History Month school wide activities:

High school students are capable of engaging with complex and thought-provoking topics related to Black history. Here are some age-appropriate activities:

Civil Rights Movement Symposium:

Overview: Organize a symposium where students present research papers on different aspects of the civil rights movement. This activity allows students to delve into the history of the civil rights movement, understand its significance, and showcase their research skills.

Objective: The objective is to deepen students’ knowledge of the civil rights movement, foster research and presentation skills, and promote historical understanding and empathy.

Implementation:

1. Introduce the civil rights movement and its key events, figures, and impact.
2. Assign students topics related to different aspects of the movement, such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., or the March on Washington.
3. Guide students in conducting research using appropriate sources like books, websites, or interviews.
4. Teach students how to structure and write research papers.
5. Schedule the symposium where students present their papers to their classmates or even to the wider school community.
6. Encourage students to use visual aids, such as posters or PowerPoint presentations, to enhance their presentations.
7. Provide time for questions and discussions after each presentation to encourage engagement and critical thinking.
8. Consider inviting guest speakers, such as civil rights activists or historians, to share their insights and enhance students’ understanding.

Celebrate students’ efforts and achievements in researching and presenting the rich history of the civil rights movement.

Current Events Discussions:

Overview: Engage students in discussions about current issues related to racial justice and the Black community. This activity promotes critical thinking, empathy, and understanding of ongoing struggles and progress.

Objective: The objective is to foster students’ awareness of current racial justice issues, develop their ability to analyze and discuss these topics, and encourage empathy and activism.

Implementation:

1. Select age-appropriate news articles, videos, or podcasts that address racial justice and the Black community.
2. Provide students with background information and vocabulary related to the topic.
3. Facilitate a class discussion where students share their thoughts, opinions, and questions about the current events.
4. Encourage respectful dialogue, active listening, and the exploration of multiple perspectives.
5. Guide students to analyze the causes, effects, and potential solutions to the issues discussed.
6. Emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding different experiences.
7. Encourage students to think critically about their own role in promoting racial justice and brainstorm ways they can contribute to positive change.

Activism Workshops:

Overview: Invite guest speakers or organize workshops on effective activism and advocacy for racial equality. This activity empowers students to become agents of change and equips them with practical skills for activism.

Objective: The objective is to educate students about activism and advocacy, inspire them to take action for racial equality, and provide them with tools and strategies for effective activism.

Implementation:

1. Invite guest speakers, such as activists, community leaders, or representatives from local organizations working towards racial equality.
2. Arrange workshops where students learn about different forms of activism, such as peaceful protests, community organizing, or social media campaigns.
3. Provide examples of successful activism movements, like the Civil Rights Movement or Black Lives Matter, and discuss their impact.
4. Teach students about effective communication, persuasive techniques, and how to engage with decision-makers.
5. Organize activities that simulate real-life scenarios, such as writing letters to elected officials, organizing a peaceful protest, or creating social media campaigns.
6. Encourage students to collaborate on projects that address racial equality issues within their school or community.
7. Discuss the importance of allyship, inclusivity, and intersectionality in activism efforts.
8. Support students in planning and implementing their own activism projects, offering guidance and resources.
9. Celebrate and recognize students’ activism initiatives and their impact on promoting racial equality.

Oral History Project:

Overview: Have students conduct interviews with local Black community members to document their experiences and perspectives. This activity allows students to engage with firsthand accounts, develop interviewing and listening skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the Black community’s history and contributions.

Objective: The objective is to provide students with an opportunity to learn from and connect with local Black community members, preserve oral histories, and develop empathy and respect for diverse narratives.

Implementation:

1. Introduce the concept of oral history and its importance in preserving personal stories and experiences.
2. Teach students interview techniques, such as active listening, open-ended questions, and respectful communication.
3. Collaborate with local community organizations or individuals to identify willing participants for the interviews.
4. Provide students with a set of interview questions focused on the individuals’ experiences, achievements, challenges, and contributions.
5. Assign students in pairs or small groups to conduct the interviews, ensuring they follow ethical guidelines and obtain consent.
6. Offer guidance on recording techniques, whether using audio or video equipment or written notes.
7. Encourage students to actively listen and engage in meaningful conversations during the interviews, showing respect and empathy.
8. After the interviews, provide time for reflection and analysis of the collected information.
9. Discuss the significance of individual stories in understanding broader historical and cultural contexts.
10. Encourage students to create presentations or displays to showcase their findings and honor the voices of the interviewees.
11. Consider hosting a culminating event where students can share their experiences and insights with the school community.

Research Black Entrepreneurs:

Overview: Assign students to research and present on successful Black entrepreneurs and their contributions. This activity promotes entrepreneurial spirit, celebrates Black achievements, and exposes students to diverse career paths.

Objective: The objective is to introduce students to influential Black entrepreneurs, inspire their entrepreneurial mindset, and recognize the contributions of Black individuals in various fields.

Implementation:

1. Introduce the concept of entrepreneurship and its importance in creating opportunities and driving innovation.
2. Provide a list of Black entrepreneurs from diverse industries, such as Madam C.J. Walker (beauty products), Oprah Winfrey (media), or Daymond John (fashion).
3. Assign students to research and gather information about their chosen entrepreneur, including their background, achievements, challenges faced, and impact.
4. Guide students in utilizing reliable sources, such as books, articles, and reputable websites, for their research.
5. Teach students how to organize and present their findings effectively, whether through oral presentations, posters, or multimedia projects.
6. Encourage creativity in showcasing the entrepreneur’s journey and their business contributions.
7. Provide opportunities for students to share their research and presentations with their peers, teachers, or even the wider community.
8. Discuss the entrepreneurial qualities and skills demonstrated by the researched individuals, such as resilience, innovation, and perseverance.
9. Encourage students to reflect on their own aspirations and consider the lessons they can learn from the entrepreneurial journeys of Black entrepreneurs.

Literature Study:

Overview: Read and analyze works by influential African American authors, such as Toni Morrison or James Baldwin. This activity introduces students to important literary works, promotes critical thinking, and explores the diverse Black experience.

Objective: The objective is to expose students to literature by African American authors, explore themes of identity, culture, and social justice, and develop critical analysis skills.

Implementation:

1. Select age-appropriate literary works by renowned African American authors, such as “Tar Beach” by Faith Ringgold, “Henry’s Freedom Box” by Ellen Levine, or “Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman.
2. Introduce the author and provide background information on their contributions to literature and the Black experience.
3. Read the selected works as a class or assign them as individual or group reading projects.
4. Facilitate discussions about the themes, characters, and messages conveyed by the literature, encouraging students to share their interpretations and insights. 5. Incorporate activities that enhance comprehension and critical thinking, such as analyzing literary devices, discussing the historical and social context of the works, or engaging in creative writing exercises inspired by the stories.
5. Explore the cultural significance of the literature and its portrayal of diverse experiences within the Black community.
6. Provide opportunities for students to express their thoughts and emotions through writing, artwork, or class discussions.
7. Consider inviting local authors or literary experts for guest talks or virtual author visits to further enrich the students’ understanding of African American literature.
8. Encourage students to reflect on the themes and messages conveyed in the works and connect them to their own lives and experiences.
9. Celebrate the culmination of the literature study by hosting a book club discussion, literary showcase, or creative project exhibition.

Civil Rights Museum Visit:

Overview: Organize a field trip to a local civil rights museum or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This activity provides students with a firsthand experience of historical artifacts and exhibits, fostering a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement and Black history.

Objective: The objective is to immerse students in the history of the civil rights movement, expose them to important artifacts and exhibits, and deepen their empathy and knowledge of Black history.

Implementation:

1. Research local civil rights museums or plan a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, depending on the feasibility and location.
2. Coordinate with the museum staff to schedule a guided tour or arrange educational programs specifically tailored to the students’ grade level.
3. Prepare students for the visit by providing background information about the exhibits, key historical events, and influential figures they will encounter.
4. During the visit, guide students to explore different sections of the museum, encouraging them to interact with artifacts, read informational panels, and engage in any hands-on activities or simulations.
5. Facilitate discussions and reflections throughout the visit, allowing students to share their observations, ask questions, and make connections to their prior knowledge of the civil rights movement.
6. Encourage students to document their experience through written reflections, sketches, or photographs.
7. Follow up the visit with classroom discussions and activities that allow students to further process and analyze what they learned during the museum visit.
8. Highlight the significance of preserving and honoring Black history through museums and cultural institutions.
9. Encourage students to share their newfound knowledge and insights with their peers, families, or through presentations to the wider school community.

Art Exhibition:

Overview: Encourage students to create artwork inspired by the Black experience and host an exhibition in the school. This activity allows students to express themselves creatively, celebrate diversity, and promote dialogue and understanding.

Objective: The objective is to provide students with a platform to express their perspectives on the Black experience through art, foster appreciation for diverse forms of expression, and encourage dialogue and reflection.

Implementation:

1. Introduce the concept of art as a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and social commentary.
2. Provide examples of artworks by African American artists that highlight themes of identity, culture, social justice, or historical events.
3. Assign students to create their own artworks inspired by these themes, using various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, or mixed media.
4. Provide art supplies and resources, ensuring students have access to materials like paints, brushes, paper, scissors, glue, and other necessary items.
5. Set a timeline for the art creation process, allowing students sufficient time to brainstorm ideas, create their artwork, and refine their pieces.
6. Encourage students to reflect on their artistic choices and the messages they wish to convey through their artwork.
7. Create a designated exhibition space within the school, such as a hallway, library, or common area
8. where students’ artwork can be displayed. 8. Organize an opening event for the art exhibition, inviting students, teachers, parents, and the wider school community to attend.
9. Provide opportunities for students to share the inspiration behind their artwork and discuss the themes and messages conveyed.
10. Encourage visitors to engage with the artwork by asking questions, sharing their interpretations, and fostering meaningful conversations.
11. Consider incorporating other elements into the exhibition, such as written statements by students about their artistic process or the significance of their artwork.
12. Showcase a variety of artistic styles and perspectives, highlighting the diversity of expressions within the Black experience.
13. Emphasize the importance of respect and appreciation for different artistic viewpoints and the power of art to promote understanding and social change.
14. Extend the impact of the art exhibition by documenting the artworks through photographs or a virtual gallery that can be shared with a broader audience.
15. Celebrate students’ creativity and accomplishments with a closing event or recognition ceremony, acknowledging their contributions to the celebration of Black history.

Black History Month provides an incredible opportunity for schools to engage students of all grade levels in the vibrant history of African Americans. It’s a time to move beyond traditional teaching methods and embrace dynamic approaches that make learning exciting and relevant.

By incorporating captivating resources like books by black authors, stimulating YouTube videos, and virtual museum tours, educators can create a lively learning environment that celebrates the significant contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. We owe a debt of gratitude to earlier advocates, such as Carter G. Woodson, who established National Negro History Week, which eventually expanded to become Black History Month in February.

We’ve explored a range of engaging activities suitable for different grade levels. From school-wide assemblies that inspire unity to creative writing exercises that foster imagination, we’ve provided teachers with interactive ideas to bring black history to life in the classroom. Additionally, we’ve highlighted valuable free resources like virtual museum tours and library materials that can enrich the learning experience.

Whether students are delving into the lives of influential figures like Booker T. Washington, exploring the impact of groundbreaking leaders like Barack Obama, or discovering the pivotal role of black colleges in the early 20th century, our journey is one of celebration and pride. Black History Month goes beyond being just another month on the calendar; it becomes a joyous occasion that inspires positive change and year-round learning.

Together, let’s make Black History Month a time of celebration, enlightenment, and inspiration for students of all backgrounds. By honoring the achievements and contributions of African Americans, we can foster a deep appreciation for diversity, empower young minds, and inspire them to dream big. Let’s embark on this journey to make history come alive and create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the confines of the classroom.

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