Celebrating Black History in the Classroom
Black History Month is coming up in February! During this month, we celebrate the history, accomplishments, and contributions of Black people. There are many fabulous books out there that are perfect for inspiring our students and reminding them how far they’ve come. Here, we’ll highlight 5 of those fabulous books that I feel are musts for the classroom in February.
“If I can dream it, if I can believe it, and if I work hard for it, anything is possible.” – Mae Among the Stars
Dr. Mae Jemison grew up loving space and having big goals. Through believing in herself, hard work, and dedication, she became the first African American woman to go to space. People doubted her and tried to discourage her, but she never gave up. This heartwarming book carries a fantastic message that can double as a mantra for the students in your classroom.
In 1960, at the tender age of 6, Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to attend an all-white school. This book was written by Ruby Bridges and is a sort of memoir with her recollections through the eyes of her six-year-old self, but also includes the perspective of some of the adults in Ruby’s life during that time as well.
Powerful in that the accounts are told in the simple and innocent language of a child, children are better able to understand the struggles Ruby had to face. The photographs truly capture the time, and the perspective of the adults nicely complements and adds more context to Ruby’s memories. Ruby Bridges is a staple person of study during Black History Month, and through My Eyes is a great way to study her through her own words.
Maya Angelou was an inspiration to many and a household name during her lifetime. The road was not easy, but she overcame all of the trauma of her past to become the “poet of the people”.
Rise! includes beautiful illustrations and lyrical, poetic language to tell Maya’s story. The message to young people of how to overcome adversity to claim success and victory over their struggles is incredibly important. Especially with the world as it is now. Of all the literature out there, this is not one to skip.
Henry’s Freedom Box is the intense but important true story of Henry “Box” Brown. Born into slavery, Henry eventually lost his entire family when they were sold at the slave market while he was at work in his master’s factory. He decided he wanted to be a slave no longer, and with the help of some friends, mailed himself to freedom in Philadelphia.
In another story about overcoming immense adversity, students find the important message of thinking outside of the box (see what I did there?) to solve their problems. It also accurately and beautifully paints the picture of what life was like for slaves during that time period. They had no control, suffered immense loss and trauma, and had to go to extreme lengths to be treated like the people they were.
Written by former president Barack Obama for his daughters, Of Thee I Sing showcases many influential and inspiring people of all races. The major message that Obama wanted to impart to his daughters was that they are worthy and capable of anything they set their minds to, just like so many others in history. The message that Americans are family, and that we should treat everyone with dignity, respect, and love, is also paramount. Powerfully written, this open letter to Obama’s daughters spreads the message of hope and belief in yourself that is so important for students.
Thank you for joining me to learn about some wonderful books to help you celebrate Black History Month!
See this post to extend Black History all year long!
Five Ways to Celebrate Black History All Year Long – Inspire Me ASAP
In addition to these books to use as a read aloud, I also love to 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.
I have a FREE reading passage, celebrating Jackie Robinson, for you! You can download this freebie by clicking here or on the image below!
Looking for more reading passages? Students can read about six different, and equally influential African Americans that made a difference in this world. You can find these reading passages by clicking on the images below!
