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A Black History Month Research Project for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade
A Black History Month Research Project is a great way to help your students learn more about and celebrate the impact African Americans have made to the United States. It's also a good way to help students learn about obstacles African Americans have had to face in this country. But having 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students conduct research and complete a project based on that research can be an overwhelming task.
Scaffolding this process is essential in order for your students to be successful - and for them to actually stay engaged and excited!
After I fine-tuned the process, this Black History Month Research Project was one of my students' favorite projects all year. It included researching a famous African American, writing an essay, creating a timeline of their life, and labeling a map. The upper elementary students remained engaged throughout the entire project and were always very proud of the outcome!
Choosing an African American Hero to Research
Part of making a Black History Month Project meaningful is exposing students to people that they might not be familiar with. If you let 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students choose who they want to research, you'll probably find that everyone wants to research Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, or Barack Obama.
Instead of simply letting students choose people they are already familiar with, collect a variety of biographies on different African Americans - or find some kid-friendly biographies online.
Do whatever works for your classroom, as long as you give students an opportunity to introduce themselves to different African Americans.
How I Organized This in My Classroom
There are a lot of different ways you could do this with your students. I would always have my librarian collect enough child-friendly biographies for each student in my class. We would sit in a circle, and each student would get one of the books. They had about a minute to look through the book, and then everyone passed their book to the left.
After everyone had looked through every book, students would write down the top 5 people they were interested in researching. Then, I would look through everybody's choices and assign each student their famous African American to research.
This process got students excited and gave them more ownership over the project. However, it also allowed me some freedom to make adjustments that would help students be successful and be exposed to different people.
My students used a book from the library as their main source for research, so I wanted to make sure the reading level of the books was appropriate for each of my students. (If you have a really well-organized classroom library checkout system, this might be easier for you!)
Scaffolding a Black History Month Essay
As all upper elementary teachers know, having students complete research and then use that to write a successful essay is much harder than you would think.
You have to teach students not to copy paragraphs straight from a book or website. And how to organize a research paper. And you have to motivate students so that they will actually WANT to write.
This No Prep Black History Month Research Project scaffolds the entire process so students can succeed. And even better, it will minimize all the one on one time and help students complete their project much more independently.
But there are ways you can scaffold on your own.
1. Model the Project for Your Students
Modeling an entire project takes up a lot of class time, but it makes a huge difference in your students' success. Plus, it will prevent a lot of student questions later.
This No Prep Black History Month Research Project has all the information you need to use Martin Luther King, Jr. in your modeling.
2. Provide a Research Page with Clear Topics
Instead of having students do their own research on note cards or a blank sheet of paper, provide a research page that tells them exactly what sorts of topics they should be researching.
Otherwise, students have the tendency to copy paragraphs and collect information on irrelevant topics.
Decide what exactly you want your students to learn about - for example, their African American's family, accomplishments, and impact - and create a research page that helps students easily organize that information. (And, of course, this project also includes research pages.)
3. Scaffold the Writing Process
This might be one of the most important ways to help your students write a successful, organized research paper. Simply providing students with paragraph frames can make a drastic difference and give students more confidence in their writing.
This is similar to this scaffolding you can use when having students write a compare and contrast essay. Or, use the no prep option with this already ready-to-go Black History Month Project.
Use the Research to Create a Timeline and Map
Use this opportunity to address some other social studies skills - timelines and maps!
Have students use their research to create a timeline of important events in their famous African American's life. Then, provide students with a blank map and have them color in different states that were important to their African American.
This is a very simple way to make these skills more meaningful to students.
Presenting the Black History Month Project
There is no one right way to have students share their projects. It really depends on how much time you have!
Here are some options:
- Have students simply turn in their projects. You could use them to create a bulletin board or just take a grade.
- Have students create a poster with their essay, map, and timeline. They can present it to the class, or you could make a display.
- Have a Living Wax Museum! This takes a lot more preparation, but your students and parents will love it. Find more information on Living Wax Museums here.
If you think this scaffolding would be beneficial to your students as well, then you might like my Black History Month Research Project – Essay, Map, and Timeline Resource. It includes everything I used to help my students be successful – even a model using Martin Luther King, Jr. so you can show students what is expected of them!
Testimonial:
"This has made doing this research project so much easier! The best part is that samples of the completed steps are included. They always want to copy full sentences instead of making notes, and displaying the sample while they worked led to many more children succeeding without my one to one help."
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Black History Month for Kids: Google Slides, Resources, and More!
Black History Month for Kids: Google Slides, Resources, and More
Use this month to celebrate and honor Black history, culture, and people.
February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month in the United States. Learn more about this important time, including ways to celebrate and how to explain Black History Month to kids. You can even get a free collection of Black History Month for Kids Google Slides to share with your students!
Black History Month Explanation for Kids
Black history images to share with kids, black history facts for kids, books, poems, videos, and movies for black history month, black history month activities and classroom resources, what is black history month.
U.S. Public Law 99-244 states that “the observance of Black History Month provides opportunities for our Nation’s public schools, institutions of higher learning, and the public to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the many contributions of Black Americans to our country and the world.”
When is Black History Month?
In the United States, Black History Month takes place every year throughout the month of February. It begins with a Presidential Proclamation reflecting on the importance of the observance, as mandated by the original law passed by Congress.
Who created Black History Month?
In 1915, historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now known as ASALH ). He wanted to draw attention to neglected events and people important to Black American history. In 1926, he launched “Negro History Week,” offering teachers and public institutions the chance to feature Black history in their schools and communities. Over time, this week grew into a monthlong observance.
How did Black History Month evolve?
In 1976, the event had outgrown a week and was expanded to a full month . It was named Black History Month as the term “Negro” was now considered outdated and offensive. President Gerald Ford issued a proclamation urging every American to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Presidents continued this tradition annually every February thereafter. In 1986, Congress passed U.S. Public Law 99-244 , making Black History Month a federally recognized event.
Why does Black History Month take place in February?
February includes the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, important members of the abolitionist movement in the 19th century. In fact, Black Americans had been celebrating Lincoln’s birthday as a holiday ever since his assassination in 1865. The first Negro History Week took place during the week that included both Lincoln’s and Douglass’ birthdays.
Why is Black History Month important?
Throughout American history, Black people and racial atrocities that happened to them have often been ignored or even suppressed . By taking a month to highlight Black history and culture, historians and educators hope to begin correcting this imbalance. They aspire to help Americans learn from past mistakes and work toward better equality and equity in our country’s future. As the National Museum of African American History states, “ Knowing the past opens the door to the future .”
What are the Black History Month colors?
Many posters, graphics, and other Black History Month images use four colors important to African American culture :
- Red: The color of the blood shed in the fight for liberty and equality
- Black: The color of “the noble and distinguished race to which we belong”
- Green: The color of the luxuriant vegetation of Africa, the Motherland
- Yellow: Represents optimism, justice, and equality for everyone
Do other countries celebrate Black History Month?
Some other countries also celebrate Black History Month , including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Panama, The Netherlands, Australia, and Costa Rica. However, they don’t all celebrate during the same month. For instance, the U.K. commemorates the event in October.
What is the Black History Month theme for 2024?
Each year since nearly the beginning, the ASALH has declared a theme to help focus attention on key Black history and culture issues. In 2024, the theme is “African Americans and the Arts.”
How do we celebrate Black History Month?
Beginning with the official Presidential Proclamation, Black History Month includes hundreds of events in communities across the country. Schools often shift their focus to include an emphasis on key African American leaders, stories, and issues. Museums and libraries offer special exhibits and displays on Black history and culture, while performing arts centers present programs featuring Black artists. Explore more at blackhistorymonth.gov .
A picture can be worth a thousand words, and these powerful images are no exception.
Slave Auction Poster
Bring home the sobering reality of people being bought and sold like livestock with this 1829 image.
Harriet Tubman
Hero Harriet Tubman is shown here with a group of formerly enslaved people she helped lead to freedom.
“Vote for Segregation” Postcard
Even after the official ending of slavery, legal segregation and racial discrimination continued, as this 1915 postcard shows.
Segregated Drinking Fountains
Jim Crow laws ensured segregation and discrimination persisted, especially throughout the Southern states.
Ruby Bridges
To begin the federally ordered desegregation of schools in the South, 6-year-old Ruby Bridges was escorted into an all-white school by U.S. federal marshals for her safety.
Dr. King at the March on Washington
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington.
Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration
In 2009, Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States of America.
Black Lives Matter Protest
Throughout the first decades of the 21st century, racial injustice and police brutality led to the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement .
Find lots of fascinating facts about important people and events in Black history here:
- Black History Month Facts
- Martin Luther King Jr. Facts
- Rosa Parks Facts
Use these media resources during Black History Month to learn more about African American culture, experiences, stories, and more.
- Our Favorite Black History Books for Kids and Teens
- Inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Books for Kids of All Ages
- Powerful Black History Month Poems for Kids of All Ages
- Black History Videos Everyone Should Watch
- Best Black History Month Movies To Watch
Take time each February to focus attention on Black history with these classroom activities and ideas.
- 40 Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond
- Inspirational Bulletin Board Ideas for Black History Month
- 101 Powerful Black History Month Quotes
- Free Black History Month Quote Posters for Your Classroom
- Famous Black Americans Everyone Should Know
- Famous Black Women Your Students Should Know
Don’t forget to grab your free Black History Month for Kids Google Slides
Just click the button below to fill out the form and get instant access to free downloadable Black History Month for Kids Google Slides featuring all of the information and images on this landing page.
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40 Black History Books To Share During Black History Month and All Year Long
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10 Black History Month Activities for Your Classroom
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February is Black History Month. With everything going on in our classrooms (parent/teacher conferences, Valentine’s Day, 100th day of school, President’s Day, and COVID, to name a few), it can sometimes be overlooked or not given the time due. While Black History should be studied throughout the school year, February is the month it zooms into focus. The month that we take a moment to honor the black men and women who have brought so much value into our lives. With that said, consider weaving in these Black History Month activities both during February and the school year.
Getting Students Information
Students need to learn about various Black Americans that have been influential throughout history (and even currently!). The same Black Americans are often discussed repeatedly, such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., George Washington Carver, and Ruby Bridges. When we do this, we are reinforcing broken mindsets. You can read about these broken mindsets and the importance of Black History Month here on The Butterfly Teacher’s Blog .
Help your students branch out and learn about Black Americans in various categories such as artists, political activists, inventors, spiritual leaders, business people, writers, musicians, athletes, and entertainers.
Use Biographies
Biographies are a great place to find information about Black Americans. Sandy over at Sweet Integrations shares how she teaches biography elements using various books in different formats. One book she uses is Dave the Potter . It’s a biography about how Dave was a slave that created beautiful, artistic pottery. To learn more about this remarkable book and her way of using it to teach about biographies, click here .
If you’re looking for some easy-to-print biographies on remarkable Black Americans throughout history, check out these TpT Resources:
- The Butterfly Teacher’s Black History Month Biographies
- Delightful Design’s Black History Month Digital Bundle
Use Picture Books and Chapter Books
There are many books related to Black Americans’ achievements that you can bring into your classroom. Picture books are a great way to present historical facts both accurately and in an engaging manner. From Sparkling in Second, Jen has a post featuring over 30 books that your students would love during Black History Month! Head here to check out the books she suggests !
As for chapter books, one series that comes to mind immediately is the Who Was/Who Is series. These books contain biographies on Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, The Underground Railroad, and so much more. You can read about other chapter books for Black History Month here .
Use 28 Days
The book, 28 Days , features a different influential Black American each day during February. It’s a quick page to read each day and a brief way to introduce stellar Black Americans and events related to them.
Black History Month Activities for Your Students
#1 – class timeline.
Group your students and then assign each group with an important period of Black History. For instance,
- Slavery in America
- Civil War and Reconstruction
- Great Migration
- Harlem Renaissance
- Jim Crow Segregation Era
- Civil Rights Movement
- Post-Civil Rights Movement
- Current/Modern Times
Have the students in those groups research the major events and Black Americans to present to the class. Then provide each group with a large piece of butcher paper or chart paper. Have them write the name of their period along the top with the dates. In their report, they will present images and important “snapshot” events that occurred. Once the entire class has finished, place the papers side-by-side to create a class timeline.
#2 – Student Interviews
After your students have studied various Black Americans, have them create an interview with that individual. This can be done in the format of a news article, a magazine article, or anything. Have students write down questions they would ask, along with the answers he or she would say. Some questions should involve the achievements of that American and his or her’s impact.
#3 – Create an ABC Book
First, read The ABCs of Black History picture book to your students. Conclude by having students create an ABC book similar to the picture book. Students can use Black Americans for the letters or events. Have them illustrate the text and add information they learned.
#4 – Create a Museum Walk
Have students research a specific person from Black History and prepare to give a presentation. This presentation can be in the form of creating posters and hanging them around the room, or a little more involved, like a wax museum activity. If desired, have students dress up as the individual.
#5 – Use Mystery Puzzles with Trivia Facts
All students love puzzles, and trivia can be just as fun. Nesli, from the Teacher wears Prada, likes to tie academics, puzzles, and trivia together. She provides her students with puzzles that involve solving a math problem, and as they work through the problems, they put together a mystery fact. She also likes to do this with sentence building! You learn more about this engaging Black History Month activity by clicking here or on the picture below . You can also have your students create their own mystery puzzles using facts they have learned throughout the unit.
#6 – Create Themed Squares for a Quilt
After studying Black History, provide each student with a square for a quilt . Inside the square, having them include important facts about their Black American, the contributions he or she did, when he or she was around, and other important information. When everyone has finished, connect the squares to create a large themed quilt. For a digital version of making a Black History Quilt, check out this Memory Quilt by the Tech Chick .
#7 – Have a Talent Show
Create groups of students based on the categories mentioned before (artists, inventors, etc.). Assign each student a Black American from within that group. For instance, in the Athletes group, you would assign someone Wilma Rudolph, and another person in the group would be given, Jesse Owens. Have students work together to decide how they will demonstrate each individual’s “talents” as a group.
#8 – Bring Awareness Activities
As you discuss the deeper issues of racism, prejudice, and discrimination, have students bring awareness to what still needs to be done. This can be done through Black History Month activities of having students plan social media campaigns, creating infographics with facts, writing a letter to an editor that uses influential Black American quotes, conducting surveys, and/or making a public service announcement.
#9 – Create Black Hero Puzzles
Provide each student with the puzzle pieces of this Black Hero Puzzle . After they have researched their Black American Hero, have them illustrate the individual in the center, add his or her accomplishments, add some fun facts and a little color- and you have a cute display!
#10 – Have Students Create a Brochure
Have students put together a trifold brochure with all the important events, accomplishments, and so much more. Dr. Loftin’s Learning Emporium has a free brochure on Michelle Obama that students could reference. Click here to download that freebie .
Black History Month is so important in our world today. It’s important to go beyond just reading passages about these legendary heroes and move into meaningful activities, discussions, and reflections. It’s my hope that something in this post was helpful to get you started!
Happy Black History Month!
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Classroom resources for Black History Month
Commemorate Black History Month in your classroom with lesson plans and resources that cover topics ranging from civil rights events to discussions about race in current events. These lessons are appropriate for history, ELA and social studies classrooms, and include resources for students in middle or high school.
The March on Washington basic resources | Resources
This resource page includes a quick guide to the March on Washington, an interactive timeline of the civil rights movement and a glossary of terms. Use these to get started on your classroom curriculum.
A history of discrimination and its consequences | Lesson Plan
In this lesson for middle and high school students, students analyze what "The American Dream" means and what role racial discrimination may play in failing to attain that dream.
“I have a dream” speech as a visionary text | Lesson Plan
Help your students connect to the rich imagery of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech by learning the history of the speech and then illustrating some of its most famous lines in this creative lesson plan.
“I have a dream” as a work of literature | Lesson Plan
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s delivered his most memorable speech, “I Have a Dream,” on August 28, 1963 before more than 200,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
The Harlem Renaissance | Lesson Plan
Students will learn about the social, cultural and political circumstances which gave rise to the Harlem Renaissance. They will also learn about the influences that inspired the work of the Harlem Renaissance’s artists and musicians. Finally, students will be given several opportunities to create their own Harlem Renaissance inspired work.
Racial equality — How far have we come and how far do we still need to go? | Lesson Plan
Martin Luther King., Jr. dreamed of an America where people could "not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Use this lesson plan to start a discussion in your classroom about where we are on the path to realizing this dream.
History of Juneteenth and why it's set to become a national holiday | Lesson Plan
Explore and discuss the history and context around the Juneteenth holiday in the United States. Topics explored will include the history of racial injustice in the U.S., the Civil War and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students will be encouraged to explore the modern significance of Juneteenth and its long-term impact.
Explore art and movement inspired by Jacob Lawrence's Migration series | Lesson Plan
Have students engage in a "close reading" of a timeless Jacob Lawrence painting through art-making, observation and analysis, and learn about the history of the Great Migration in the process.
Teaching About Selma | Lessons and Resources from Teaching for Change
Try out these interactive lessons and recommended resources from
Teaching for Change
that invite students to step into the history and think critically and creatively about the continued fight for justice today.
Introduction to Selma | Lesson Plan
Help introduce and engage students in the story of the March from Selma to Montgomery with clips from the film, "Selma", courtesy of Paramount Pictures. In the main activity, students will be asked to view three short videos about the March and critically think about the audience, message, and stereotypes seen.
Discrimination — fair or unfair? | Lesson Plan
Make issues of fairness, justice and discrimination personal to your students with this lesson plan, which includes an activity with Dr. Seuss! This lesson is designed for students for students who have difficulty with verbal or written expression.
Leadership at the March through music and speeches | Lesson Plan
While Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech became the most famous of the March on Washington, he was by no means to only person to address the massive crowd assembled on the National Mall. Use this lesson plan to look at the other civil rights leaders and orators who spoke that day and how effectively they conveyed their messages.
The March on Washington and its impact | Lesson Plan
In this lesson plan, students compare King's "I Have a Dream" speech to other famous texts in American history, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address. This is a great addition to any speech, English or history class.
Analyzing "Stop and Frisk" through personal narratives and infographics | Lesson Plan
This Common Core-aligned lesson helps students explore the New York City’s “stop, question and frisk” program through videos, graphics and a news article. An engaging introduction creates a foundation to help students understand infographics and their utility as a cross-curricular tool.
Remembering Nelson Mandela | Lesson Plan
In this lesson plan, students will use text from Mandela’s autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom” to connect with Mandela’s life and words. It also contains a 20-minute video from the PBS NewsHour to help students understand the magnitude of his life.
The Trials of Muhammad Ali | Discussion Guide
and discussion guide to pique students' interest in the story of Muhammad Ali, who was both an athlete and a defender of human rights. You can purchase the film on iTunes, but it is not recommended for class use due to language and some mature content unless it has been approved by you and your school to use in the classroom.
Student Reporting Labs "Race and Change" videos | Resource
Use this dynamic resource to get students thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr. and whether his dream has been accomplished today. These 12 high school students are part of PBS NewsHour's Student Reporting Labs and come from around the country.
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Black History Month Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hello Teacher Friends! How is your 2022 going? For me, this year is just zipping by! I cannot believe it is nearly Black History Month already! Since February is so close, I wanted to take a quick minute and highlight one of my most popular resources in my TpT Store . My Black History Month Research Project is incredibly popular this time of year. This resource has helped literally hundreds of teachers and thousands of students learn the research process and commemorate important Black individuals! I’ve recently updated the entire product and wanted to break it down and show you how I use this resource in my classroom!
Black History Month Research Project
With this resource, each student will research an influential Black individual, write a biographical essay about their individual and create a visual representation of their person! While this sounds like a lot of work, I promise I have broken it down into manageable chunks for YOU and your students! Even students who struggle with reading and writing have succeeded with this project!
Phase 1: Building Research Skills
Before beginning, students need a research subject! Included in this resource is a list of over 140 Black individuals who have made significant contributions to society— including many influential women! Personally, I like to randomly assign names to students. (Actually, I usually have them pick a name out of a bowl.) I do this for a few reasons. First, I think there is value in learning about someone new that students maybe haven’t even heard of before. If given the choice, students often default to the Black figures they already know! I don’t want them to do that! Second, I like to have all my students in all my classes have different names. This way, when we display them in the hallway or classroom, we don’t have any duplicates!
After students have their research subject, it is time to learn how to research. Instead of setting my students loose on Google right away, I like to teach them the research process. This direct teaching does take a little bit of class time. However, it is totally worth it! Not only will your students’ end results be infinitely better, but they are learning foundational research skills. Research skills that they will use again and again throughout their educational careers!
In these lessons, students will learn about different types of sources, how to determine if a source is credible, and how to recognize an author’s bias.
I’ve included a “Source Credibility Checklist” for students to keep as a reference that will help them determine whether a source is a “good” source or not. I’ve also outlined a fun activity intentionally using a completely biased website! It’s a real eye-opening activity for students that shows them the need to use multiple sources and check for credibility.
Phase 2: Research & Note-taking
The next step in the Black History Month Research Project is to research! I have two Slides Presentations giving students tips for conducting thorough research and taking notes to keep track of the information they have gathered! Students can take notes on their KWL Chart. I’ve also included a Note-taking Graphic Organizer that helps students keep track of what information came from what source. Keeping track of their information will come in handy later when they create their bibliographies!
Phase 3: Writing Black History Month Research Project Essays
Following the research and note-taking process, it’s time for students to outline and draft their essays. I’ve included a suggested outline that students can use to organize their information. In the Slides, I show how to take the information from their outline and notes and turn it into paragraphs in their essays! In my class, we talk a lot about writing excellent paragraphs . Here is another resource that can help if your students are struggling with this basic building block of writing!
Also in this phase, students will work together to edit and revise one another’s essays. This collaborative process is a great way to teach students how to give and accept feedback. It is also helpful in learning how to improve one’s writing from the first draft to the published final copy!
Additionally, students will also practice citing their sources by creating a bibliography. At the middle school level, I don’t require my students to stick with MLA or Chicago styles or anything in particular. I’m most interested in them understanding that they should be giving credit to the original authors. I don’t worry too much about formatting it in a specific style. I’ve included a Simple Bibliography Guide for students to use!
Phase 4: Visual Display & Class Presentations
Finally, students will create a visual display of information for their person. There are endless options for this portion of the assignment. You could ask students to simply use a large sheet of paper, a poster board, etc. to create a visual by hand. Alternatively, I heard from one tech-savvy teacher who asked his students to create a Slide for their visual component. He compiled the Slides, set up a projector in the front of the school, and looped the Slides all throughout February to allow others in the school to learn from their research!
I generally stick with a low-tech option and use large sheets of paper (my school has 12×18 sheets of paper that seem to work well). Students include the the most important facts and information about their individual. I also ask them to include pictures and a quotation on their poster. When students have finished their essays and their posters, students present their Black History Month Research Projects to the class. Afterwards, I like to display the posters in the hallway outside my classroom to allow others to learn as well!
Phew! If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered! This resource includes over 120 Instructional Slide s that literally walk you through the entire process! Also, if you need any help along the way, I’m just an email away!
How do you like to commemorate Black History Month with your students? I’d love to hear your ideas!
Brenna (Mrs. Nelson)
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14 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students
Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, takes place every February to honor the accomplishments of Black people in the United States and the important roles they have played in the past and the present. We've designed activities that give students the opportunity to dive into history and learn about the people and events that have shaped our nation.
Black History Month Ideas for School
Encourage students to engage in crafts, teach them about significant figures in Black history, and celebrate with your class using these Black History Month activities for elementary and middle school.
1. Review the Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement
As the civil rights movement progressed over several decades, many key events helped to shape the outcome. For this activity, you should first hold a discussion with your students about the definitions of civil rights and social movements .
Explain that civil rights are written and unwritten rights provided to anyone who is a U.S. citizen or who belongs to a civil society. A movement includes activities undertaken by a group of people to achieve change. Then, distribute the timeline activity and have your students fill in details about nine key events of the civil rights movement based on their research. Once complete, your students should cut out each event; place them in chronological order; and glue, paste, or tape them to a piece of paper. Encourage them to add a title to their timeline before sharing it with the class.
2. Pen a Persuasive Essay
Many Black people have made valuable contributions to the world throughout history. Have students write a persuasive essay convincing the U.S. Postal Service to create a new stamp honoring an influential Black person. They should explain their choice and the impact the person has had on the world.
Maybe they want to focus on the historic election of Kamala Harris as U.S. Vice President, Katherine Johnson's contribution to science and space exploration, or Stevie Wonder's legacy in music. Have students read their essays to one another or submit them for extra credit. Here are steps to teaching students how to write an effective persuasive argument .
This is also an opportunity to have students participate in their government! The U.S. Postal Service welcomes suggestions for stamp subjects that "celebrate the American experience." Check out the USPS website for the criteria for selecting a stamp subject and the process for submitting a proposal.
3. Write about Black History
With these Black History Month writing prompts from fourth-grade teacher Perry Hollins, you can introduce your students to Black innovators of the past and present. Your students can then tie these figures' experiences to their own lives. For each prompt, students explore the life of a Black innovator, reflect on a quote from the individual, and then tackle a writing prompt. The prompts each focus on a particular writing style, such as narrative, informative, or persuasive.
4. Do a Crossword Puzzle on Civil Rights
Have your students test their knowledge of Black history with this downloadable crossword puzzle , including an answer key for teachers. Topics covered include slavery in the United States, civil rights protests, key figures, and relevant holidays. This is particularly well suited for students in Grades 4–8.
5. Create an Encyclopedia of Black Leaders
Students can create a biographical encyclopedia with one or two paragraphs each about Black leaders who contributed to the civil rights movement. Alternatively, students can focus on any Black leader in the U.S. throughout history. They can choose three to five leaders whom they feel had the greatest impact on U.S. history and explain why those individuals' accomplishments deserve to be recognized.
Then, students can dive into the role that each figure played in history, what events they influenced, and their legacy. This is a good chance to teach students about finding credible sources online, creating a bibliography, and improving their writing. Your students can exchange their final Black History Month projects and provide peer feedback, or share them with the entire class.
6. Explore Famous Black Scientists in History
If you're looking to explore famous Black scientists in history , you can download these posters , hang them in your classroom or distribute them to your students. This activity can take a lot of different forms. You may simply have a classroom discussion about the legacies of each of these scientists, or you can encourage your students to dig further and create their own list of famous Black scientists. Students might even focus on influential Black innovators in specific scientific fields, such as chemistry or mathematics. Your students can write about these individuals' lives, accomplishments, and continued legacy today, and perhaps create their own posters to hang on a bulletin board.
7. Conduct Experiments Inspired by the Works of Black Scientists
Get hands on and further explore the extraordinary works of famous Black scientists, inventors, and mathematicians by conducting experiments inspired by their work. Find a collection of Black History Month science activities and experiments that touch on earth and space sciences, agriculture, biology, and more, so students can study space like Dr. Mae Jemison, or nurture plants like George Washington Carver.
8. Test Students' Knowledge with Our Black History Month Quiz
Have students explore Black history with this short multiple choice quiz . A teacher answer key is also included. You can have students hand this in for a grade, or have them work in teams and see which group answers the most questions correctly.
9. Complete a Word Search
Download this word search for students that includes the names of influential figures, key events, and terms related to Black history. Once students find all the words listed, have them write a short description or definition of each term. The specifics are up to you as to what they need to include in their writing.
10. Read Books about Black History
There are many books you can read about Black history that highlight both the triumphant and tragic journeys of Black people in the United States. One example is The Undefeated , written by poet Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The book won the 2020 Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. Alexander won a Newbery Honor for the book as well. The beautifully crafted book of poetry doesn't hold back on illustrating the cruelties Africans faced on their journey to and arrival in the U.S., but it's presented in a way that's easy for kids to digest and understand. The book showcases themes such as determination, self-actualization, and perseverance, and covers the horrors of slavery, the triumphs of the civil rights movement, and the actions of influential Black figures.
If you're looking to teach students about the impact of the Chicago Race Riots on history, consider these two literary texts recommended by HMH's archivist, Susan Steinway.
11. Showcase Black History in Your School’s Halls
Work with your school’s leadership team to organize a school-wide Black History Month door decorating or bulletin board decorating contest. Each class can showcase significant moments, figures, and accomplishments in Black history, for example the Harlem Renaissance, the Tuskegee Airmen, or the work of the Freedom Riders. Find inspiration for Black History Month bulletin board ideas and Black History Month classroom door decoration ideas on Shaped .
12. Create a Quote Gallery with Words from Notable Black Figures
Display quotes from notable Black figures in your classroom and engage students in a quote gallery walk. On chart paper, write or print quotes from famous Black leaders or notable figures. Use these Black History Month quotes for students for the gallery walk. Alongside the quote, include the person’s name, title, and brief biography. Post the quotes around the room. Place students in small groups and have them explore each quote. As groups stop at a quote, ask students to discuss with each other what the quote means to them. Then have them use a marker to jot down their thoughts and reflections on the chart paper. Afterwards, lead a class discussion about the powerful words the class just read. Extend this activity by having students choose their favorite quote displayed and complete a quote discussion chart .
13. Host a Poetry Reading and Recite Poems from Black Poets
Study the works of famous Black poets, like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, and teach students the art of performing poetry by hosting a class poetry reading. Show students videos of Black poets reciting their works, so students can learn about the change of tone, inflection, and body language when poems are read aloud. Then have students choose a poem penned by a Black author that they will share during the class poetry reading. Give students the time to practice reciting their poems aloud in small groups. On the day of the event, you can convert your classroom into a poetry café. If possible, invite caregivers or guardians to watch the performances. After their reading, students can share fun facts about the poet, why they chose the poem they did, and what resonated with them.
14. Transform Your Classroom into a Black History Museum
Bring the museum into your classroom with this Black History Month activity. Ask students to research notable Black figures or key events in Black history. Students will then create posters based on their research. Display students’ work throughout the classroom, organizing the posters into exhibits, such as science, history, art, and literature, to transform your classroom into a Black history museum. If possible, chose a date and invite other classes and guardians or caregivers to a museum showing of your class’s Black history exhibits. Students can present the information on their posters to guests as museum guides and educators.
Share Your Black History Month Projects and Activities
Have any fun Black History Month activity ideas for school? Share them with us at [email protected].
We hope these Black history month activities for elementary and middle school students provide you with plenty of ideas for honoring the achievements of Black people and shed light on the triumphs and tragedies that they have faced in the United States. By doing so, we can create a world that prioritizes equality and freedom for all.
For more ways to celebrate Black History Month with your students, check out:
- 8 Black History Month Writing Prompts
- 5 Teaching Tools to Honor Black History Month in the Classroom
- Black History Month: Teaching Historical Triumphs and Tragedies
- Ann Petry: Honoring the Author's Legacy During Black History Month
- A Rosa Parks Lesson Plan: Teaching About Her Legacy
Discover more lesson plans and classroom resources o n Shaped .
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This blog, originally published in 2020, has been updated for 2024.
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Black History Month Activities & Resources
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month. Help your students learn about and celebrate the important Black contributions to the American and global story with our cross-curricular lesson plans, worksheets, projects, quizzes, and activities below.
Why Do We Teach Black History Month?
As with any number of topics, approaches to teaching Black history have evolved and changed over the years. While it's roots go back to the early 20th century, Black History Month as a national observance was created as a way to focus attention on the contributions of Black Americans that had been overlooked, marginalized, and outright ignored as part of conventional American history lessons. As President Ford said when announcing the month-long observance in 1976, “In celebrating Black History Month, we can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
For the most part, this led to a fairly "traditional" look at Black historical figures in the classroom - with a heavy emphasis on inspirational people and stories, but little context around the "hard history," as Black educator Rann Miller calls it, of the Black experience. "I was told of Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Frederick Douglass. I heard very little of Malcolm X, the FBI’s campaign against civil rights leaders...I was taught about the marches and firehoses in Alabama, but I had to teach myself about the acts of terrorism committed against Black people in Rosewood, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Wilmington, North Carolina," says Miller in a widely-read and influential essay .
Over the past several years, as high-profile events like the murder of George Floyd have forced a reckoning look at systemic racism and inequality in the United States, the teaching of Black history has become more contextual and less personality-driven. It's still important to highlight the considerable achievements of Black Americans for students - but many teachers are also using Black History Month to "explore the impact of racism in the Black experience," as Miller puts it.
What to Teach for Black History Month
These TeacherVision resources were commissioned or curated to give teachers a wide selection of approaches to integrating Black History Month into existing curriculum. You'll find lesson plans, student choice activities, printables, videos, and more for all of the major curriculum areas - Social Studies, Reading, Math, and Science.
Choice Boards and Projects
- Black History Month Project - Black Pioneers in Medicine
- Black History Month Choice Board for Middle School
Educational Videos & Activities
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Videos & Activities
- Slavery & The Civil War Videos & Activities
Technology Resources
- African Storytellers
- African-American Heroes
- Hour of Code: Code a Slideshow for Black History Month
Black History Worksheets for Grades K-5
- Black History Month Profile: Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron
- Black History Month Profile: Young Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman
- Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
- Cultures Day Project Ideas
- The Civil Rights Movement
- "I Have a Dream" Little Book
- Jackie Robinson Biography & Activities
Black History Worksheets for Grades 6-8
- Black History Month Profiles: Great African American Poets from Across the Generations
- The Underground Railroad Matching Activity
- The Life and Accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Fever 1793 Teacher's Guide
- I Have a Dream
- The Harlem Renaissance Activities
- Sarah Boone Coloring Page
Black History Worksheets for Grades 9-12
- Black Lives Matter E-Book: A Movement for Racial Justice
- Billie Holiday's Song "Strange Fruit"
- Defining Jazz Music
- Visualizing Jazz Scenes of the Harlem Renaissance
- Jazz and Math: Improvisation Permutations
- Jazz and Math: Rhythmic Innovations
- African-American Gospel Music
- Black History Word Search
Black History Month Lesson Plans for Grades K-5
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Leader
- Triangular Trade in the Atlantic Ocean
- Write a Letter to Jesse Owens
- Activities for African Folk Tales
- Percussion Performance and Culture
- Influencing Others in Our World
Black History Month Lesson Plans for Grades 6-8
- The Underground Railroad
- The Struggle Against Segregation
- Jackie Robinson and Civil Rights
- Interactive Timeline
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Receives the Nobel Peace Prize
Black History Resources
- African Folk Tales: Background Information
- A Raisin in the Sun
- Maniac Magee Literature Guide
- Jackie Robinson Coloring Page
- Rosa Parks Coloring Page
- Civil Rights Movement Playlist
EDITOR'S COLLECTIONS
- Top 10 Children's Books for Black History Month
- Top 10 Martin Luther King Activities
- 20 Black History Month Activities
- Kwanzaa Activities (Grades K-8)
- Coloring Book of African-Americans Slideshow
- Civil Rights Quiz
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Quiz
- ABC Order -- Famous Black Americans
- Kwanzaa Facts Quiz
- Black History Month Quiz
- Kwanzaa Word Problems
- Coretta Scott King Award Winners
- Dwight D. Eisenhower's Little Rock Response
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life
- Assassinations and Attempts in U.S. Since 1865
- Amendments to the Constitution of the United States
- Amendments to the Constitution: Voting
- Harriet Tubman Biography
Music & Drama Activities
- A Jazz Talk Show
- Learning through The Duke
- Exhibit Scoring Guide
- Assessment of Learning Through "The Duke" Lesson
Language Arts Activities
- In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
- Historical Fiction Reading Warm-Up: Rosa Parks
- Harriet Tubman Writing Activity
- Juneteenth - African Americans Word search
28+ Black History Month Art Projects and Drawing Ideas for Kids
Below you’ll find 28+ black history month art projects for kids, with drawing ideas from artists that will soon be a favorite with your elementary school students.
Black History Month Art Projects for Kids
One of the best things about working with Black History Month is that art lessons so easily overlap with it. Any one of the projects shared below can teach students some valuable art skills AND share more about some African Americans who have (and are ) contributing to the history of our country. Learning what these men and women have accomplished is a wonderful way to start classroom discussions and maybe even provide inspiration for your student‘s own future artwork. Another benefit about this particular collection is that most of them are based on drawing, and come with a step-by-step tutorial. So even if teaching art feels a bit out of your comfort zone, these are easy to do, and require only simple supplies of pencil, paper, marker and crayons. (Please note there are also a couple of painting projects, for those that would like to get some practice in with that too!)
Black History Month Art Ideas for Kids
Black History Month Artists
A great place to start Black History Month is to work with projects that specifically connect to black artists that you would like your students to know more about. This Black History collection includes projects inspired by artists like Alma Woodsey Thomas, Lois Mailou Jones and Romare Bearden. When students try out some of the ideas these black artists were famous for, they will learn some new art techniques while gaining insight about the ground these African American artists were breaking. Alma Woodsey Thomas, for instance, was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at New York’s Whitney Museum of American art, and she exhibited her art at the White House three times. Lois produced work that echoed the bold qualities of African art and was the first African American to graduate from the school of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Mass. As a brilliant black female artist, she made major artistic and cultural contributions to the Harlem Renaissance. And, not everyone of note is from the past . It’s also good for students to know that there are many important black artists still on the scene today too. Faith Ringgold has been making story quilts since 1992, and is now also famous for illustrating her very popular book “Tar Beach”. The women of Gee’s Bend also continue to make quilts, and you can find quite a few interviews with them on YouTube. It’s very inspiring, and a wonderful message about making the most with what you have. Sadly, Jean Michele Basquiat is not alive, but he made his mark on the art world not that long ago, during the 1980s. Basquiat went from selling drawings for $50 to being an artist that hung out with Keith Haring and Andy Warhol and broke auction records for the sale of his art. Amanda Gorman, is a very accomplished artist in that she is the youngest inaugural poet in US history, as well as an award-winning writer. There’s a tutorial to help students draw a portrait that looks just like her!
Black History Month Art Projects Inspired by Black Artists
Benefits of a Black History Art Projects Curriculum
Art lessons are also great for connecting students to history through the civil rights movement. This collection includes tutorials for how to draw Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou and more. When students learn how to draw a good likeness of these people, they can remember them and all their accomplishments in a much more vivid way. Some recent figures who broke political glass ceilings are included, such as Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Nelson Mandela. There are many more exciting black artists coming on to the scene every day, so you can count on this collection of art lessons as a resource that is going to continue to grow. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope your students find lots of inspiration in the Black History art lessons shared below.
Black History Art Project: Draw like W. H. Johnson
Easy How to Draw Ruby Bridges Tutorial and Ruby Bridges Coloring Page
Easy How to Draw Jackie Robinson Tutorial Video and Jackie Robinson Coloring Page
Black History Month: How to Draw a Dancing Lady like Bernard Hoyes
How to Draw Cassie from Tar Beach Tutorial and Cassie Coloring Page
Easy Lois Mailou Jones Mask Art Project
Lois Mailou Jones Coloring Page
How to Draw Rosa Parks – Easy Step-by-Step Art Lesson + Coloring Page
Easy Draw Like Romare Bearden Tutorial and Coloring Page
Black History Month Artists: Horace Pippin and a Horace Pippin Coloring Page
Alma Woodsey Thomas Coloring Page
Alma Woodsey Thomas Art Lesson Plan for Kids: Painting Project
Easy Jean-Michel Basquiat Art Project for Kids Tutorial and Coloring Page
Easy Jacob Lawrence Art Project for Kids Tutorial and Jacob Lawrence Coloring Page
Easy Kehinde Wiley Art Project
Gee’s Bend Quilt Art Lesson: How to Make a Paper Quilt Project Tutorial Video
MLK Coloring Page
How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr. – Easy Directed Drawing Lesson for Kids
Easy How to Draw a Self Portrait Tutorial like a King or Queen
Juneteenth Art for Kids and Juneteenth Coloring Page
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11 Engaging Black History Month Art Projects for K-8
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It’s a crucial step toward creating a well-rounded, inclusive, and culturally rich art curriculum. However, before I dive into my favorite Black History Month art projects, I’d like to talk about what that looks like in the art room.
What is Black History Month in the Art Room?
Black History Month is not just a time to commemorate historical achievements. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of Black culture through the lens of visual arts. By integrating Black History Month into our lessons throughout the school year, we provide kids the chance to connect, appreciate, and be inspired by the stories of Black artists.
Check out all the amazing Jean-Michel Basquiat art projects on Erin’s Insta !
Why Do We Study Black Artists?
Incorporating the creations of Black artists into the curriculum is not just an acknowledgment of their contributions. But it’s also a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. It broadens perspectives, challenges biases, and prepares students to engage with the diverse world of art and culture.
Moreover, Black History Month is a great way to:
- Discover unique art styles and media techniques rooted in diverse backgrounds
- Empower students of color to pursue art as a career path
- Provide an opportunity to discuss social issues and cultural movements
- Promote critical thinking and deeper understanding of the Black experience and examine their historical representation from the art world to our own art room
- Encourage inclusivity of different choices and voices in the art room
Consequently, it’s a way to hold up a mirror to our own teaching practices. And, to see if we’re meeting the needs of all our students.
11 Black History Month Art Lesson Ideas for Elementary & Middle School
With that said, here are some Black artists that I love to discuss and use in my art projects during Black History Month. I know they’ll be a source of great inspiration for your elementary and middle school students.
Additionally, I’ve included some art project ideas that would work well for Black History Month (or any month of the year).
1. Kimmy Cantrell
Kimmy Cantrell is from Atlanta, Georgia and is known for his contemporary ceramic art, particularly his breakthrough “Mask Series” in the late ’90s. His masks burst with lively colors and textures, celebrating diversity and individuality. Cantrell’s art encourages viewers to reflect on the many facets of identity, urging them to see beyond the surface. And, to appreciate the beauty in the distinct features that make each person unique.
I think Kimmy Cantrell’s masks would make a great art history lesson for upper elementary and middle school aged students. However, make sure you provide good scissors (I love Fiskar!) and thinner cardboard so it’s not difficult for younger students to cut.
Art Project Ideas
- Sculpt their own abstract faces using clay or cardboard, and paint them with bold shapes and bright colors.
- Draw expressive portrait drawings with exaggerated facial features and use color to convey emotions.
- Make ceramic bowls that feature a narrative or a series of symbols that tell a personal story
2. Reggie Laurent
Reggie Laurent is a modern Black artist from Chicago most known for his colorful and energetic paintings. He calls these artworks that mix shapes and bright colors his “DNA series” style of painting because they are exaggerated doodles he drew as a child. Laurent also creates paper collages and wooden assemblages in this style. Alternatively, he also makes “quiet” paintings entirely with a palette knife.
Laurent’s art is unapologetically abstract and expressive, making it an easy fit for any elementary art lesson. When I’ve done this art project during Black History Month, I’ve tied it into a conversation about geometric vs. free-form shapes as well as patterns.
- Compose a collage from various shapes and vibrant color. Then, use paint in squirt bottles to connect the shapes together
- Paint a “quiet” palette knife composition by encouraging students to observe nature’s beauty and translate it into abstract, colorful artworks
- Collaborate with other classes or grades to create a large-scale abstract artwork inspired by Reggie Laurent’s style
3. Lakwena MacIver
Lakwena MacIver was born in London, England and is known for making vibrant murals and paintings that often feature powerful messages of positivity and unity. Her art is filled with acid-bright patterns, symbols, and words that inspire joy and hope. MacIver’s work focuses on using communication and decorative elements to tell her story about growing up in Bromley, London as a “mixed-race girl.”
The emphasis of positivity and joy in her art would have a real benefit for middle school-aged students.
- Construct a collaborative mural for a common area in the school or classroom, using vibrant colors and positive affirmations
- Design colorful posters with positive messages, experimenting with different typefaces, colors, and patterns that can be displayed throughout the school
- Compose self-portraits, that incorporate patterns and symbols that represent different aspects of their personality, interests, or values.
4. Moe Brooker
Moe Brooker was from Philadelphia and is known for creating colorful and expressive paintings and prints that celebrate life and joy. His abstract art often featured bold shapes, vibrant colors, and energetic lines that reflect his positive outlook. Moreover, he believed his work was reflective of his upbringing in the Black church with its spoken word and gospel music. And, his grandmother who designed patchwork quilts, an element that can be seen in his paintings.
Brooker’s loose style would work well for all elementary grades, especially lower elementary. However, if you decide to do this as an experimental, mixed media project with multiple steps, I think 2nd and 3rd graders would be a great target age range.
- Drawn and paint abstract expressionist self-portraits, focusing on bold shapes, simple patterns, and joyful colors to represent their feelings
- After listening to jazz music, create multi-sensory paintings inspired by the emotions and rhythms they feel
- Experiment creating joyful color palettes that express emotion and then make abstract artworks using those vibrant hues
5. Charles McGee
Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, contemporary artist Charles McGee is known for his diverse creations, from sculptures to murals. His work touches upon important themes such as race and social justice. McGee’s dedication to Detroit is evident in his public art contributions, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of artistic expression. He often stated that he was “moved by togetherness,” that when different people come together, we can often understand one another better.
McGee’s controlled style of art would make a great art history lesson for upper elementary or middle school aged kids.
- Create an abstract collage, using cardboard and acrylic paint, that experiments with layering shapes and forms in a dynamic composition
- Design a collaborative sculpture by assigning each group a section of a large mural to be displayed as public art in or around your school
- Ask students to choose a personal or fictional story and represent it through a visual composition using vibrant colors and dynamic shapes
6. Lois Mailou Jones
Lois Mailou Jones was born in Boston and is known for painting African inspired masks as well as landscapes inspired by her trips to Haiti. Jones was passionate about painting scenes from African American life and heritage, too. She used bold colors and powerful compositions, reflecting her commitment to celebrating diversity and culture. Besides being a painter, she was also an art educator and a touring artist.
Depending on the approach, her art can be inspiration for either elementary or middle schoolers.
- Study the influence that Africa and the Caribbean had on Jones’ work and paint a landscape based on the community in which your students live
- Choose a famous person and create a portrait that captures the personality and achievements of that figure using symbolism and color to convey meaning
- Design clothing or accessories inspired by Afro-centric patterns and colors
7. Beatriz Milhazes
Beatriz Milhazes is a Brazilian contemporary artist known for her abstract collages using geometric shapes, rhythmic patterns, and vivid colors. Her paintings are decorative in nature and inspired by Brazilian culture, fashion, Carnival, and tropical landscapes. But it also hints at European Modernists like Henri Matisse and Wassily Kandinsky.
The very detailed nature of her artwork and the use of intricate geometric patterns makes Milhazes’ work perfect for middle school art history lessons.
- Create mandalas using a variety of geometric patterns and vibrant colors, inspired by the rhythmic and layered compositions in Milhazes’s work
- Make collages that capture the lively and festive atmosphere of Carnival, using bright colors, rhythmic patterns, and a variety of textures
- Draw or paint a still-life composition featuring vibrant and stylized fruits, experimenting with color combinations and rhythmic arrangements
8. Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York and became famous in the 1980’s for his unique and colorful paintings that often told stories about race, identity, oppression, and the portrayal of people of color. Basquiat started as a street artist, creating graffiti under the name SAMO. His art mixed text, symbols, and images. He was one of the first Black artists to gain recognition in the art world and pop culture.
Basquiat’s loose, expressive style works great for elementary and middle school. However, deeper conversations about the symbols used may best be suited for middle schoolers who are better equipped to understand the meaning behind them.
- Create portraits using expressive lines, bold colors, and incorporate words or symbols that represent the subject’s personality or story
- Design their own word art graffiti using meaningful words or phrases that emphasize the integration of text with visual elements, mimicking Basquiat’s iconic style
- Make a self-portrait using images and symbols that represent aspects of their identity
9. Romare Bearden
Bearden’s narrative pieces fit in nicely with elementary aged students.
- Create a mixed media collage of a jazz instrument using paint, paper, markers, and crayons
- Make a collage that represents significant moments or memories and uses images, colors, and shapes that evoke the emotions and stories associated with these memories
- Have students choose a cultural celebration and create a collage that captures the spirit of that event
10. Faith Ringgold
Faith Ringgold was born in Harlem, New York and is famous for creating Folk Art-inspired story quilts about famous African Americans. She’s not just an artist; she is also a writer and a teacher, too. One of Ringgold’s most famous artworks is the story quilt called “Tar Beach,” where she combines quilting and painting to share a special story about a childhood memory. Other works are about empowerment of women of color.
I think Ringgold’s narrative quilts fit in nicely with elementary aged students. Specifically, I’ve had success in creating fabric and paper collages inspired by her quilts with 2nd grade and up.
- Create a personal story quilt collage by combining patterned squares with an illustration of an important memory
- Design a mixed-media family portrait that incorporates painting, fabric, and collage elements
- Explore Ringgold’s use of narrative by creating a digital story quilt collage in Google Slides, illustrating a short story or conveying a message through a sequence of images
11. Laolu Senbanjo
Laolu Senbanjo is from Nigeria and is known for blending traditional African patterns with contemporary influences which he calls “Afromysterics.” Senbanjo is not only a visual artist but also a lawyer, musician, fashion designer, and activist. He is particularly famous for creating mesmerizing body paintings on Beyoncé for her album “Lemonade.” He explores themes of identity, spirituality, and his Yoruba heritage.
Some of Senbanjo’s body paintings are fully unclothed models and may not be suitable for school. Some are just facial paintings. However, a lot of his work on canvas and clothing would be appropriate and engaging for middle schoolers.
- Design a shoe incorporating personal patterns and contemporary design elements inspired by Laolu’s unique style
- Paint a self-portrait using a personal narrative or cultural story and include intricate patterns and design elements into the work
- Design and decorate a musical instrument using patterns inspired by Laolu’s art
How Will You Celebrate Black History Month in Your Art Room?
And there you have it, a bunch of cool artists with stories that are as interesting as the art they create. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling some extra artsy vibes for Black History Month art projects this year!
Check out Melissa Jongkind’s art room on Insta! These are her student’s Kimmy Cantrell masks.
So, what’s your plan? Will you dive into the expressive world of Basquiat with your middle schoolers. Or conversely, maybe get the little ones to create narrative collages inspired by Faith Ringgold? Whether it’s sculpting abstract faces, rocking vibrant collages, or going wild with patterns, I think there’s a lot of inspiration amongst these artists to get you started.
Unquestionably, I think Black History Month needs to be a year-round thing in the art room. It’s not just a month; it’s a mindset. Above all, these artists have given us a rainbow of art techniques and concepts to be inspired by.
So, art teachers, how will you bring some Black History Month vibes to your art room? What Black artists have I left out that you’re studying with your students? Drop a comment and let me know!
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10 Inspiring Black History Month Activities for Students
Written by Laney Kennedy
- Teacher Resources
- Teaching Activities
7 Black History Month topic ideas
Guidelines for teaching during black history month, 10 black history month activities for your students.
February is Black History Month : the celebration of African American history, contributions, and achievements that’s recognized annually across the United States and Canada.
For teachers, it’s a great opportunity to teach with intention, honoring the tradition and showing students its importance, along with the importance of Black history and culture.
And this year, it's more important than ever to uphold this tradition and celebrate Black history — no matter where your students are learning.
Use these 10 activity ideas to teach Black history all month and keep your students engaged, whether they're in-class or online!
Typically, teachers tend to stick with the same few topics during Black History Month: civil rights, historical Black leaders or celebrities, and important milestones.
While these are still great topics to explore, there are also plenty of other important concepts you should consider introducing to your students this year, such as:
- Current Black political issues
- The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity
- Stereotypes and microaggressions
- The history and impact of Black culture
- The history of hip hop
- African Americans and the Vote
- Black Health and Wellness (this year's Black History Month theme!)
For Black History Month 2022, this year's theme is Black Health and Wellness. People are encouraged to explore how North American healthcare has underserved the black community and recognize the contributions to medicine and healthcare by black people.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Firsties♥️Ms. Salamak (@fur_babies_and_firsties)
When teaching Black history, remember to:
- Follow the do’s and dont’s
- Always promote diversity in your classroom
- Remind students that Black history is American history
- Leverage Black voices as much as you can (use relevant media, invite guest speakers etc.)
P.S. If you want to help parents talk about Black history and racial issues with their kids at home, use these 8 tips for parents as a helpful resource to start with — including additional resources for anyone who wants to learn more.
Use these activities throughout the month (and the rest of the year) to keep Black history at the forefront of your lessons and encourage your students to keep learning more.
1. Quote or fact of the day
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
Maya Angelou
Every morning, greet your students with a new quote or fact that’s relevant to Black history.
Say them aloud during your lesson, add them to your bulletin board or send them in an online message (or all of the above, if you’re feeling ambitious). After this, you can open a discussion with your class about the relevance of each quote or fact.
Your students will love looking forward to what each day brings!
Try these:
- Black history facts
- 15 Inspiring quotes
- 5 Black history quote posters
- Black history quotes - mini posters
2. Person of the day or week
Take time to talk about Black influencers and their accomplishments. Highlight a different person every day or week and center your lessons around them!
Explore categories like:
- Politicians
- Historical figures
- Heroes and iconic leaders
- Scientists and mathematicians
Tip: Try to look beyond typical historical figures and popular celebrities. There are plenty of Black contributors students may not have even heard of yet — use this chance to introduce them!
3. Black history trivia & games
Bring some fun (and maybe a little competition) into your lessons this month! Find trivia and games that focus on Black history, or repurpose other classroom games to incorporate Black History Month questions and answers.
- Black history multiplication - true or false
- Black history quizzes (these online quizzes are perfect for remote learning!)
4. Worksheet activities
Teach students about Black history while they work on fun activities at their own pace. Send worksheets to students online or print them out for independent classroom learning.
- Black history coloring pages
- Barack Obama crossword and trivia
5. Virtual events
Classroom learning is great, but there’s so much students can learn from their own experiences!
This year especially, there are plenty of online activities and events celebrating Black History Month. So why not choose a youth-appropriate one your class can participate in?
- National Museum of African American History: Classroom Connections
- Black History Every Month: Virtual Events That Inspire Action, Education, and Connection
6. Timeline activity
Provide more context on important events in Black history with a bit of chronology.
Have students put together their own timelines, whether individually or in groups, that focus on specific historical events or people. They’ll have fun putting all the events together and learn lots along the way!
7. Study (and create) art
Art in the Black community carries so much historical and cultural significance that can inspire some great, illuminative lessons.
Assign one of these activities from Creative Child , or get students to:
- Write a story
- Make a video or podcast
- Create visual art or crafts
8. Use relevant media
There’s so much good media out there to help you teach Black history — use it to your advantage!
Read books or watch videos with your class, then discuss the themes and lessons of each piece of media. After this, you can assign work based on them.
Try these books:
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
9. Host thought activities
Strengthen collaboration skills with various thought activities during February. These will get students thinking and help them learn new ideas and perspectives from each other.
Start by posing a relevant question to your class, like:
- Why do we celebrate?
- What does Black History Month mean to you?
- How can we fight intolerance in our everyday lives?
Encourage plenty of participation, then discuss everyone’s answers together!
10. Assign a class project
Give your class a larger assignment they can work on for the entire month, like a collaborative media project or group presentation — like this one from The Core Coaches on Teachers Pay Teachers .
These bigger projects let students build on what they’re learning and work together towards something they can be proud of!
Additional resources
Get inspired by these extra resources to help you even more:
- Black History milestones
- Black History in the National Archives
- Teaching tools for Black History Month
- Black History in America teaching guide
- Black History Month resources and lessons
- 10 Picture book biographies to celebrate Black History Month
- 20 Important lessons to teach kids about Black History Month
P.S. Want to make your math classes more engaging? Research shows Prodigy make math more fun and can even contribute to better test performance! Discover more about Prodigy's adaptive math platform today!
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Black History Month Activities for Middle School Students
By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: February 12, 2024
As educators and parents, we have a powerful opportunity during Black History Month (and the whole the year) to deepen middle school students’ understanding of African American history, culture, and contributions. It’s a time to move beyond the basics and engage young learners with activities that challenge, inspire, and educate.
Black History Month activities for middle school students should not only highlight the significant achievements and struggles of African Americans but also foster an environment of empathy, respect, and curiosity. From interactive timelines that chronicle the vast sweep of Black history to living museums that bring historical figures to life, the goal is to create a rich mosaic of learning experiences.
This post is dedicated to providing a variety of activities designed to engage middle school students in meaningful exploration of Black history, ensuring they gain a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of its importance.
Related: Black History Resources for Teachers
Let’s some practical Black History Month activities for middle schoolers:
1. Decorate Class
Encouraging middle school students to take part in decorating the classroom with a Black History Month theme can turn the learning environment into an interactive museum. Invite them to create posters of significant figures and events, or timelines that highlight key moments in Black history.
Incorporating art projects related to African American culture—such as quilts representing the Underground Railroad or collages inspired by the Harlem Renaissance—can make history tangible and engaging. This activity not only beautifies the space but also instills a sense of ownership and pride in the students’ learning environment.
2. Explore Martin Luther King, Jr., Roadways
Utilize the concept of Martin Luther King, Jr., roadways as a springboard for discussion and exploration. Middle school students can research why numerous cities across the United States (and the world) have streets named after Dr. King. This can lead into a geography lesson mapping these locations and a history lesson discussing the significance of Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights. Students can present their findings through presentations or creative projects, such as creating their own street design inspired by Dr. King’s ideals.
3. Dive into Black History Month Books
Compile a reading list of books that reflect the Black experience through fiction and non-fiction suitable for middle schoolers. Books like “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson or “The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis can offer perspectives that resonate with middle school students.
Organize book discussions, literature circles, or creative book reports that allow students to explore themes, characters, and historical contexts. Encouraging students to express what they’ve learned through creative writing or projects can deepen their engagement and understanding.
4. Celebrate Black History Month Music
Introduce students to the rich legacy of African American music, from spirituals and blues to jazz, hip-hop, and beyond. Discuss the historical context of each genre and its influence on American culture and the civil rights movement. Students can create presentations on their favorite artists or songs, exploring the messages and stories behind the music. Organizing a music appreciation day where students share these findings and listen to a curated playlist can be a powerful way to experience history through sound.
Related: Best TED Talks on Black History Month
5. Visualize the Journey
An interactive timeline project can help middle school students grasp the broad scope of Black history in an engaging way. Using digital timeline makers or a physical space in the classroom, students can collaborate to create a timeline that includes major milestones, figures, and events from African American history.
This could include everything from the arrival of enslaved Africans in North America to contemporary achievements in science, politics, and the arts. Encouraging students to research and present their sections of the timeline fosters teamwork and deepens their understanding of the interconnectedness of history.
6. Create a Black History Month Living Museum
Transform your classroom or school library into a living museum where students embody historical figures, presenting their stories and achievements. Students can research their chosen figure, create costumes, and prepare short speeches or presentations. This interactive approach not only helps students delve deeply into their characters’ lives but also allows them to actively engage with their peers’ learning, making history both personal and communal.
7. Celebrate African American Artists
Organize an art project where students study African American artists, such as Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, or Jean-Michel Basquiat, and create their own artwork inspired by these artists’ styles and themes. Host an art gallery event where students can display their creations, discuss the inspiration behind their work, and learn about the contributions of Black artists to American culture and history.
8. Celebrate Black History Poetry
Introduce students to the power of poetry and spoken word as tools for expression and social change within the African American community. After exploring works by poets like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and contemporary voices like Amanda Gorman, students can write their own poems. Organize a poetry slam or reading event where students can perform their works, celebrating their voices and the tradition of storytelling in Black culture.
9. Understand Struggle and Strategy
Create an interactive simulation of the Civil Rights Movement, where students can learn about the tactics, struggles, and successes of the movement. This could include role-playing significant events, such as sit-ins, boycotts, and marches, allowing students to explore the challenges faced and the courage displayed by those who fought for equality. This activity fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the civil rights struggle.
10. Highlight African Americans’ Contributions to Science and Technology
Encourage students to research and present on African American scientists and inventors whose innovations have made significant impacts. From George Washington Carver to modern-day innovators like Mae Jemison, students can create exhibits or digital presentations showcasing these figures’ lives, work, and contributions to their fields. This fair not only educates but also inspires students in STEM fields.
11. Organize African American Literature Circle
Form literature circles focused on African American authors, allowing students to select and read novels, short stories, or autobiographies. Through guided discussions, students can explore themes, historical contexts, and the authors’ messages, gaining insights into the Black experience. This activity encourages reading comprehension, critical thinking, and empathy by engaging directly with the authors’ voices and narratives.
Related: Black History Month Activities for High School Students
Final thoughts
Incorporating the suggested Black History Month activities for middle school students into your curriculum or family learning activities can transform how young learners perceive history. By moving beyond traditional teaching methods and embracing more interactive, creative, and personal approaches to learning about African American history, we can help students develop a deeper appreciation for the contributions and experiences of Black Americans.
These activities not only educate but also inspire middle school students to think critically about the past, present, and future. As we conclude Black History Month, let’s carry forward the lessons learned and continue to celebrate and honor the rich, diverse history of African Americans throughout the year.
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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD
Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.
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Black History Month Reading Comprehension Activities for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade
If you’re looking for printable Black History Month reading comprehension activities for your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade students, you’ve found the right place! These resources are popular for celebrating and teaching about Black history in the classroom. Learn more about this Black History Month reading comprehension resource below!
What is this Black History Month Reading Comprehension Resource?
This Black History Month Reading Comprehension Unit is about Garrett Morgan’s invention. It includes tons of printable resources like leveled reading comprehension passages, discussion questions, writing prompts, vocabulary cards and activities, assessments, worksheets, and much more. You’ll have what you need to teach a comprehensive unit or series of lessons on this non-fiction topic.
What Does This Black History Month Resource Include?
This Black History Month reading comprehension resource includes the following:
Teaching Guide
The teaching guide walks you through the different resources and suggests how to implement them in your classroom. You’ll have what you need to confidently implement the Black History Month reading comprehension worksheets and activities.
Vocabulary Cards
The vocabulary cards each have the vocabulary term, an image that represents the word, and a kid-friendly definition.
Vocabulary Activities
The vocabulary activities help students develop an understanding of each of the vocabulary terms and be able to confidently use them in conversation.
3 Leveled Reading Passages
The three Black History Month leveled reading comprehension passages help you differentiate and meet the needs of all your students, and help them feel confident in their reading abilities. Each Black History Month reading passage was carefully crafted to look similar and have the same key vocabulary, but be scaled to meet the needs of a typical class with varied reading abilities.
Discussion Prompts
The discussion prompts promote reading comprehension and thoughtful class or small group discussions.
Discussion Prompt Cards
Laminate, cut out, hole-punch, and put the discussion cards on a ring so you can reuse them year after year.
Reading Comprehension Activity
This Black History Month reading comprehension worksheet is based on the text structure of the reading passages, which gives students valuable practice opportunities.
Writing Prompt and Thematic Writing Paper
The writing prompt and thematic writing paper support students in practicing their writing skills in this integrated unit.
2 Comprehension Check-Ins
There are two comprehension check-ins with answer keys. This allows you to grade them quickly and differentiate as needed.
Why Teachers Love Our Non-Fiction Reading Units
Listed below are some of the reasons elementary teachers love our non-fiction reading units.
- Our non-fiction units include an abundance of resources to choose from. This allows you to select which activities are best for your students.
- All of the activities are either low-prep (some quick cutting) or no prep (just print and go) which saves you tons of time while still offering engaging learning opportunities to your students.
- We’ve intentionally designed many of the resources to be open-ended and to include differentiated versions to make it easy for you to meet the needs of all your students. This also means that if you change grade levels in the future, you will likely still be able to use them with minimal modification.
- All of our non-fiction units follow the same format and include the same types of activities customized to each topic. This creates a cohesive, year-long routine where students know the expectations and are able to focus on the topic.
- All of our non-fiction units integrate reading, writing, and speaking standards with a timely and engaging topic, so students are fully engaged while practicing important skills.
Related Black History Month Picture Books
Check out the related Black History Month picture books below that pair well with the Black History Month comprehension worksheets and passages.
Other Black History Month Resources
Below are some other Black History Month teaching resources that you may be interested in.
In closing, we hope you found this post about these Black History Month reading comprehension passages, activities and worksheets helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:
- Black History Month Books for Elementary Teachers
- Black History Month Activities for Elementary Students
- 100+ Winter Activities for Elementary Students
- Read more about: ELEMENTARY TEACHING , LITERACY
You might also like these posts...
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A Black History Month Research Project for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade A Black History Month Research Project is a great way to help your students learn more about and celebrate the impact African Americans have made to the United States. It's also a good way to help students learn about obstacles African Americans have had to face in this country.
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How is your 2022 going? For me, this year is just zipping by! I cannot believe it is nearly Black History Month already! Since February is so close, I wanted to take a quick minute and highlight one of my most popular resources in my TpT Store. My Black History Month Research Project is incredibly popular this time of year.
4th grade social studies. 5th grade social studies. 6th grade social studies. 7th grade social studies. 8th grade social studies. ... Designed with third and fourth graders in mind, this Black History Month biography project template includes materials for students to use while reading biographies and conducting research, as well as materials ...
A Black History Month Project (With Outline and Rubric) cardelean Updated: Sep 13, 2023 6:23 PM EDT What are you doing with your students for Black History Month? Ron Groeper from Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain); Canva Black History Poster Project: Choosing a Great Individual
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Let's some practical Black History Month activities for middle schoolers: 1. Decorate Class. Encouraging middle school students to take part in decorating the classroom with a Black History Month theme can turn the learning environment into an interactive museum. Invite them to create posters of significant figures and events, or timelines ...
If you're looking for printable Black History Month reading comprehension activities for your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade students, you've found the right place! These resources are popular for celebrating and teaching about Black history in the classroom. Learn more about this Black History Month reading comprehension resource below!