I love creating engaging and thought-provoking lessons for Black History Month, but what if there was a way to celebrate it all year long? And there is! Celebrating Black History Month allows students to gain insight and understanding of the importance of cultural diversity. In today’s world, I feel like this is now important more than ever before. The exciting part is that there are so many ways to integrate Black History Month into your curriculum year-round. So, let’s jump right into it!
Incorporate Read-Alouds to Celebrate Black History
Using diverse read-aloud books is one of the best ways to engage students in conversations about the significance of the African American community and the obstacles and accomplishments members have faced. Read-aloud books published by diverse authors will give students a glimpse into the legacies left behind by those such as Ruby Bridges, Martin Luther King Jr., and even Rosa Parks.
There are many great accomplishments left by others, but those are just a few examples of great read-aloud. It’s great because this can be used among a wide variety of age ranges and grade levels. Using read aloud ensures that you are increasing awareness of equity and inclusivity in both curriculum and literature ALL year long!
African American Reading Passages
Integrate African American history into social studies lessons and even reading passages. After all, history would not be history without all of the pieces. And the history of African Americans is intertwined throughout. Engage students in reading passages that entail the legacy and historic accounts of African Americans. I love engaging my students in discussions about history, using reading passages.
I created Guided Reading Passages that are perfect for integrating into social studies while raising cultural awareness. Again, this can be used throughout the school year, not just during Black History Month. Students can read about six different, and equally influential African Americans that made a difference in this world.
You can check out my reading passages on my website by clicking here: Guided Reading Passages
You can check out my reading passages on TPT by clicking here: Guided Reading Passages
Reading passages such as this not only strengthens fluency and incorporates multiple subjects but leads students to deeper thinking and understanding. Reading about African Americans that paved the way to equality will open up meaningful conversations regarding equality.
I have a FREE reading passage, celebrating Jackie Robinson, for you! You can download this freebie by clicking here or on the image below!
Access Online Black History Resources
This is perfect for those of you teaching virtually, blended, and in the classroom! Students can explore the history through primary sources from the National Archives, learn about art created by the culture, and even get creative by constructing their own news article or magazine!
Create an Accepting Environment
While it is great for students to read about Black History and cultural equality, the best way is to model equality for all in your classroom. Create a learning atmosphere where students can accept and understand everyone’s differences and still be kind. The best way to make a positive impact and change history is to not repeat actions of the past. You are honoring the legacy left behind by African American leaders. You are also celebrating “Black History Month” all year-round.
Classroom Museum
If you are in the classroom, turn your room into a museum with student-created work using trifold boards. Students can choose and research an influential person that they wish to study. So interesting and students will love it! Plus, if you happen to be teaching digitally, students can create a PowerPoint showcasing their research.
If you are in the classroom, turn your room into a museum with student-created work using trifold boards. Students can choose and research an influential person that they wish to study. So interesting and students will love it! Plus, if you happen to be teaching digitally, students can create a PowerPoint showcasing their research.
Poetry Reading
Have students research a famous African American Poet to celebrate black history! Students will pick their favorite poem and recite it, honoring the impact made by the African American Community. Once again, this brings cultural awareness into the classroom, in a fun, interactive lesson. Invite parents and set the tone in your classroom. You can do this anytime during the year!
We should honor the legacies and accomplishments that African Americans have made for our society all year. Teaching our children about Black History and about the many important African American heroes continues to improve our society. We together can raise kids to be empathic and contribute to our society, hopefully in a positive way.
