Black History Month Teaching Ideas
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated December 17, 2024
Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural heritage of African Americans. Celebrating this month in the classroom provides students with opportunities to learn, reflect, and appreciate the diverse stories that have shaped history. Here are some creative and meaningful ways to engage students in Black History Month activities while fostering a deeper understanding of diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
Looking for some no-prep resources to help you explore Black History in your classroom? Click on the image or button below to see all of the Black History Month teaching ideas available in my TPT shop!
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Black History Month Teaching Ideas for Upper Elementary and Middle School
Check out some of our favorite Black History teaching ideas below!
1 – Explore Influential Figures
Introduce students to key African American figures who have made significant contributions in various fields such as science, art, literature, sports, and civil rights. Use biographies, videos, or interactive timelines to showcase their achievements. Encourage students to choose a figure to research and present their findings through posters, essays, or digital presentations.
For a complete Black History research project that you can print and use right away with your learners, click here or on the image or button below.
The following books on influential figures from black history work as great starting points for exploration!
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
This beautifully illustrated book profiles 40 trailblazing Black women who changed the world, from scientists and activists to artists and writers. Each mini-biography provides a starting point for students to explore the life and legacy of inspirational figures like Maya Angelou, Katherine Johnson, and Harriet Tubman.
Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
This graphic novel brings to life the fascinating stories of Black cowboys, lawmen, and other figures who shaped the American West. With vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling, it highlights the often-overlooked contributions of individuals like Bass Reeves and Mary Fields, offering students a new lens on American history.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans By Kadir Nelson
Through stunning artwork and narrative storytelling, this book provides a sweeping look at African American history, focusing on the contributions of individuals from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a perfect gateway for students to dive deeper into the lives of figures such as Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks.
The Undefeated By Kwame Alexander
This powerful, poetic tribute to Black history and resilience features celebrated and lesser-known figures in a lyrical, thought-provoking format. With its striking illustrations and call to action, this book serves as a jumping-off point for learning about activists, athletes, and artists who have shaped history.
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr? By Bonnie Bader
This accessible biography from the popular Who Was? series offers a detailed look at the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., from his early years to his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a perfect starting place for students to research his legacy and the broader fight for racial equality.
2 – Read Books by Black Authors
Read alouds are one of my favorite Black History Month teaching ideas. It is always a great idea to incorporate books by Black authors or about Black history into your classroom library and read-aloud sessions. Titles like Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, and Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed are excellent starting points. Follow up with discussions or writing prompts that help students connect with the stories and themes.
For a complete list of read aloud suggestions for Black History Month, check out this blog post (or click on the image below!)
3 – Create a Black History Month Bulletin Board
Another one of my favorite Black History Month teaching ideas is to transform a section of your classroom into a visual celebration of Black History Month. Include images, quotes, and short bios of influential African Americans. You could also make it interactive by inviting students to contribute their own research or art inspired by what they’ve learned.
4 – Celebrate Through Music and Art
Highlight the contributions of Black artists, musicians, and poets. Study jazz, blues, or hip-hop music, and have students create their own musical compositions or art inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. Explore poetry by Langston Hughes or Maya Angelou and encourage students to write their own poems reflecting their personal experiences or perspectives.
5 – Watch Historical Documentaries or Videos
Engage students with age-appropriate documentaries or short videos about Black history and culture. For younger students, animated stories like those from PBS Kids are ideal. Older students can watch excerpts from films like Ruby Bridges or Hidden Figures to spark meaningful discussions about historical events and their impact.
6 – Teach Through STEM Activities
Highlight the achievements of African American inventors, engineers, and scientists. For example, teach students about George Washington Carver’s agricultural innovations or Katherine Johnson’s role in NASA. Incorporate hands-on STEM challenges related to their work, like building simple machines or solving math problems.
See all of the STEM activities available in my TPT shop here.
7- Learn About African American Inventors
Introduce students to the inventions and innovations of African Americans, such as Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal or Madam C.J. Walker’s hair care products. Pair the lesson with creative projects where students invent something of their own and explain its purpose.
8 – Host a Community Celebration
Invite parents and community members to participate in a Black History Month celebration. Plan student performances, such as poetry readings, music, or skits. Display student art and projects, and create an atmosphere of learning and appreciation for diverse cultures.
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans while promoting a culture of respect and understanding in the classroom. By incorporating Black History Month teaching ideas like storytelling, art, research, and reflection, educators can make the month both educational and inspiring. These activities not only honor the past but also encourage students to dream big and work toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
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Interested in reading more about Black History Month Teaching Ideas?
Check out more Black History Month teaching ideas below!
Black History Month Activities for Elementary
Short Stories to Celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month Activities for Elementary School
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