How to explain to kids why we celebrate Black History Month?

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States . It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

What is a little Black history fact?

Black History Month Trivia William Tucker, son of indentured servants from Great Britain, was the first recorded African child to be born in the colonies in 1624 . Vermont was the first colony to ban slavery in 1777. In the 1770s, a Quaker named Anthony Benezet created the first school for African American children.

What are 5 things about Black History Month?

Here are five important things to know about this meaningful commemoration: It Started as a Week. In 1915, Harvard-educated historian Carter G. ... Carter Woodson: The Father of Black History. ... February Was Chosen for a Reason. ... A Week Becomes a Month. ... Honoring African-American Men and Women. Feb 18, 2019

How do you teach little kids about Black History Month?

If your goal is to teach your preschooler about Black history, look for content and activities that are based on facts from different periods in American history. You could do this by reading biographies or autobiographies, fact-based stories, or resource materials like encyclopedias and documentaries.

Did you know Black history facts for kids?

The ironing board (invented by Sarah Boone), the traffic light system (invented by Garrett Morgan), and the home security system (invented Marie Van Brittan Brown) all came down to us from Black inventors.

What are 2 important facts about Black History Month?

It was first celebrated during the second week of February in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass (February 14) . In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month.

What is a fun fact about Black History Month?

The celebration of Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976.

What is the 2024 Black History Month theme?

The 2024 theme, “ African Americans and the Arts ,” explores the creativity, resilience and innovation from a culture that has uplifted spirits and soothed souls in countless ways across centuries.

How to celebrate Black History Month in the classroom?

Celebrate: Highlight achievements and contributions, including pre-colonial history and profiles of contemporary figures your students will recognize from politics, education, pop culture, sports, or other areas. While historicizing is important, avoid focusing solely on slavery and Jim Crow.

What is the Black History Month for kids?

Black History Month helps us learn about the contributions and achievements that black people have made in the past . In every part of history, black people have been treated badly because of the colour of their skin. This is called racism.

How do you throw a Black History Month party?

Artistic Movement. ... Celebrate With Music. ... Dramatic Reenactments. ... Scavenger Hunt. ... Celebrate With Social Media. ... Hold an Event Celebrating a Historical Black Figure. ... Poster Up the Place. ... Support Historical Nonprofits That Serve the African American Community. More items...

Black History Month Activities | Little Bins for Little Hands (2024)

February 1st kicks off Black History Month for kids, whether you’re learning at home or in the classroom! Wondering what activities you can do for Black History month? I’ve gathered all my favorite Black History Month crafts and science activities in this post for you! We have plenty of resources to explore famous men and women in STEM all year round.

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What is Black History Month?

Black History Month for kids is a celebration in the United States and some other countries that focuses on recognizing and honoring African Americans’ achievements, contributions, and history.

It takes place every February. The primary purpose of Black History Month is to highlight the positive impact that African Americans have had on the nation’s history and culture, which is often overlooked or understated in traditional history curricula.

For kids, Black History Month provides an opportunity to learn about significant figures, events, and milestones in African American history. Schools, libraries, and communities often organize special activities, events, and educational programs to engage children in learning about the rich heritage of African Americans.

NEW: Download our Free Black History Month Lesson Guide

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Some key aspects of Black History Month for kids include:

Learning about historical figures: Children are introduced to influential African Americans who have made significant contributions in various fields, such as science, arts, literature, politics, and civil rights.
Exploring important events: Kids learn about important events in African American history, including the Civil Rights Movement, abolition of slavery, and other milestones that have shaped the nation.
Celebrating achievements: Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of African Americans throughout history, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and positive impact on society.
Promoting diversity and inclusion: The month is an opportunity to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity. It encourages children to embrace and celebrate differences among individuals.

You can easily celebrate Black History Month in the classroom or at home with your kids by introducing them to incredible African American icons throughout history!

Also, check out our Indigenous Peoples Activities for kids!

Learning about iconic black Americans doesn’t have to be boring! Kids love finding people they can look up to, and there are SO many unique heroes in the black community!

Also, learn about the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa with our Kwanzaa Kinara craft.

Free Printable Black History Inventors Game

Grab this free inventors game to support your black history lessons!

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Printable Black History Month Activities Pack

We love to celebrate history with our kids through hands-on learning. Utilize one or all of these STEM activities or Black History Month crafts below (or throughout the year) to help kids learn about these amazing scientists, engineers, and artists!

Grab this done-for-you Black History Month pack:

Explore10 famous black men and womenwho have helped shape the history of our country through their words and actions!

You’ll findsecret codes, coloring projects, engineering projects, games, and more! This pack can be used for variousages, including 5-10. Whether you read it aloud to a class or allow the kids to read the information on their own is up to you!

WHO’S INCLUDED:

Maya Angelou
Ruby Bridges
Mae Jemison
Barack Obama
Martin Luther King Jr.
Garret Morgan
Mary Jackson
Elijah McCoy
Mavis Pusey Project Pack
Matthew Henson Project Pack

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Black History Month STEM Activities

Get ready to explore black scientists and inventors who shaped the world as we know it with these hands-on Black History Month Projects.

Build A Satellite

Evelyn Boyd Granville was the second African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in mathematics from an American University. Build a satellite inspired by the achievements of Evelyn Boyd Granville.

Build A Space Shuttle

Who is Mae Jemison? Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Build A Lunar Lander

Build your own model of the Apollo Lunar Lander for STEM in honor of renowned African American mathematician Katherine Johnson. Katherine Johnson’s calculations were critical to the success of the Apollo lunar landings.

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DIY Planetarium

Famous scientist, Neil deGrasse Tyson is an Americanastrophysicist,planetary scientist,author, andscience communicator. Build your own planetarium and explore the constellations without needing a telescope.

You can also try this watercolor galaxy art activity featuring Tyson as well!

Wind Tunnel Project

Inspired by inventor and scientist Mary Jackson, students can discover the power of a wind tunnel and the science behind it.

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Black History Month Art & Crafts

Explore famous black artists, including Thomas, Basquiat, and Simpson! Create your own works of art inspired by their unique styles. Use the free printables to learn more about each black artist.

Handprint Wreath

Create a personalized handprint wreath with your kiddos that symbolizes diversity and hope in celebration of Black History Month. An easy Black History Month craft for kids!

Alma’s Flowers

Kids will love to paint these fun bright flowers with their own homemade stamps, inspired by artist Alma Thomas.

Thomas was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art, and she exhibited her paintings at the White House three times.

Basquiat Self Portrait

Artist, Basquiat painted a lot of self portraits. In both his portraits and self portraits, he explores his identity as a man with African-American lineage.

His paintings were tributes to African-American historical figures, jazz musicians, sports personalities and writers.

Basquiat Art With Tape

This is another fun Basquiat themed art project kids will love!

Lorna Simpson Collage

Lorna Simpson is a significant African-American artist, who lives and works in New York. She has become known for her unique artworks that combine photographs with words.

Bubble Wrap Prints

This bubble wrap printing activity is great for younger kids. Inspired by the colorful abstract art of American painter, Alma Thomas. An artist who loved to smile and to paint with bright colors that made her paintings look happy and vibrant.

Stamped Heart

Another fun craft inspired by African American artist, Alma Thomas.

Alma Thomas Circle Art

Alma Thomas was also known for her patterned abstract style and for her vibrant colors.

Jacob Lawrence Shapes and Stories Art

Create stories with shapes and colors like this collage with Jacob Lawrence! His paintings are colorful and use interesting shapes to tell important stories. Jacob Lawrence’s art helps us understand the history and feelings of diverse communities.

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Martin Luther King Jr Activity

Zines, known for their DIY spirit, provide a unique way to visually and interactively explore Dr. King’s legacy, making learning about history an engaging experience for young minds. Make a zine for Martin Luther KIng Jr Day!

Free Black History Month Activities Guide

Download this free Black History Month ideas page for a quick resource in planning your next lesson. Click here or on the image below.

More Famous Scientists For Kids

If your kids want to learn about even more famous scientists, this is the resource for you!