Bringing Black History to Life: Celebrating Through Discovery

​Hey there! Black History Month has rolled around again, and what's a cooler way to celebrate than mixing up some reading fun with artsy projects and tasty snacks? All this, while soaking up the amazing stories and achievements of African American culture.
 
As someone who writes for kids, I'm all about turning learning into an adventure. So, I've whipped up a bunch of fun ideas to get you and the kiddos into the heart of Black history, making some sweet memories along the way. Ready to jump in? Let's go!

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Let's Book It!
Time for Some Epic Story Time Okay, let's kick things off with picking out some epic books that shine a light on the heroes, key moments, and big movements in Black history. There's a treasure trove out there, but here are a few gems to start with:

• "Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison: Perfect for kids 4-9, this book is packed with illustrations and stories of inspiring Black women who've made their mark.
• "I Am Enough" by Grace Byers: For the 3-7 crowd, it's a beautiful poem about self-love, kindness, and respect.
• "The Story of Ruby Bridges" by Robert Coles: Ages 6-8 can learn about Ruby Bridges, the courageous girl who played a part in desegregating schools.
• "Henry's Freedom Box" by Ellen Levine: Aged 6-9? This heart-touching story tells of Henry "Box" Brown's creative escape to freedom.
• Plus, there are books on Black heroes, scientists, and inventors for all age groups.

 
Arts, Crafts, and Chats

• Draw Your Heroes: After diving into those stories, let the kids sketch their favorite figures. Display their art to keep the talks going.
• Family Tales: Share your own family's journey and heritage. It's a special way to link past and present.
• DIY Black History Quilt:
  • Cut out plain white or colorful paper squares (around 5” x 5”). Or bigger if you’d like. Just keep them all the same size.
  • Glue images of famous African Americans on some squares. There are some free downloads below (4" x 4"), but you could also use other pictures from online or magazines. 
  • Let the kids decorate the rest of the “quilt squares” with their own designs or write down facts about these icons. Make it colorful!
  • "Stitch" your squares together with tape and display it proudly.

 
Snack Attack with a Side of History

• Peanut Butter Creation: Channel George Washington Carver and make some homemade peanut butter. It's perfect on apples or crackers.
• Sweet Potato Magic: Whip up some sweet potato fries or chips, inspired by a classic in African American cuisine.
• Feast Time: Dive into a dinner full of African American classics. From sweet potato pie to jambalaya, treat yourselves to a delicious meal.

Groove and Move

• Dance It Out: Blast tunes from African American artists and let loose. Explore different music genres and their roots.
• Musical Books: Pair stories with songs, maybe even craft some simple instruments, and put on a show based on your favorite reads.

 
After all the fun, sit down for a chat about what you've learned. It's a fantastic way for the kids to reflect and share their thoughts.​

Free Downloads

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BLACK HISTORY MONTH PAGES - PDF