February is one of my favorite times to be a teacher! Activities for Black History Month include some of my favorite people to celebrate. I love using the word “celebrate” because teaching my students about these historical people is so important. We celebrate their lives and discuss their hardships and how they endured them with integrity and grace. Black History Month started in 1976, and Americans have observed this month ever since. Teaching Black History Month facts for kids is such an important part of my classroom in the month of February (and every month, for that matter). The month is short, and it’s vital to squeeze in as many activities for Black History Month as possible, so I’ve put together my top 11 engaging activities for Black History Month down below.
Black History Month: Barack Obama
I love to start with a person who my students know and remember well. We kick off our Black History Month celebration with President Barack Obama. Children love to get to know interesting facts about Obama. We chat about Barack Obama’s pets and Barack Obama’s first inaugural address. After that it’s time to move into more important facts and, of course, some fun crafts. Check out some of our activities below :
George Washington Carver
What an amazing man was George Washington Carver! He was inspirational, motivational, and makes me want to become a better person. George Washington Carver developed so many advances in horticulture, and, of course, the peanut plant, and even went on to lead horticulture at the Tuskegee Institute. One of my favorite George Washington Carver quotes : “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” Click on any of the photos to see more of the unit.
These visual vocabulary cards are one way we display our Black History Month-related words on our word wall.
Black History Month: Ruby Bridges
I don’t even know where to begin with Ruby Bridges. I fell in love with this woman back in high school when I discovered the bravery and courage she had exhibited as such a small girl. Sharing my passion and love for this icon of history with my students is really a highlight of the unit for me. In addition to beginning school in New Orleans, the photographs of Ruby Bridges with US Marshals are a real reminder of how far we have come as a nation and the desegregation of schools. Here are some of my favorite Ruby Bridges activities for kids.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman fun facts for kids begin with one of my very favorite Underground Railroad WebQuests. You can find it here. Learning about Harriet Tubman is usually our introduction to slavery background.
Black History for Children and Foldable Books
These foldable books are so easy to use. Sometimes I print them front to back, and other times I print them as singles and use them in centers. You can check out these foldable books here.
Black History Month Organizers
Easy and quick organizers are a great way to engage students during Black History Month. Grab yours for free here.
Rosa Parks Activities
As most of you know, throughout Rosa Park’s life she had to fight her way through racial inequality. Many events that led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott shed light onto what happened on that monumental day when Rosa stood up (or rather, sat down) for her beliefs. I use this entire unit with my students every single year. It’s empowering. I also show this video of Rosa Parks.
Jackie Robinson Activities
Jackie Robinson’s early baseball career is where we begin our journey. In fact, Jackie began his career on April 15, 1947. The life of Jackie Robinson is one to be honored and remembered. We love doing this by creating our very own Jackie Robinson baseball card. Grab yours here.
Booker T. Washington Black History Month Activities
Why was Booker T. Washington important? He founded the Tuskegee Institute, an amazing school that devoted its time to training teachers and which was highly focused on agriculture. Here’s a fun activity to do with your students.
Garrett Morgan
We start our essential question on this day with this question: When did Garrett Morgan invent the traffic light? Needless to say, that question always sparks some major interest with my students. Here are a few of the activities we do with Garrett Morgan.
Sojourner Truth Black History Month Activities
Want to know an interesting fact about Sojourner Truth? She was sold as a slave when she was 9 years old to a man named John Neely. She was a historical women’s rights activist and is well known for her women’s rights speech.
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