1. Complete a Black History Month Research Project
Give your students the opportunity to research a notable black American of their choice, write a research essay, and share what they have learned with the rest of your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade class.
This was a favorite activity for my 3rd graders every year. Check out these tips for scaffolding the process and helping your students be successful and really take ownership of this black history month project.
2. Read Aloud Biographies of Lesser Known African Americans
By the time students have hit upper elementary, they have most likely heard about the lives of famous African Americans like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. Introduce your students to other notable black Americans that have had a positive impact on our world or have overcome incredible obstacles.
See some of my favorite biographies for black history month here.
3. Analyze Primary Resources about Famous African Americans
DocsTeach has a great collection of primary resources with lesson plans that can be used in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classrooms. Check out some of their free resources that would be great to use in conjunction with black history month. The lessons usually include a primary resource, background information, questions to ask your students, and activity ideas.
4. Use a No Prep Black History Month Resource
5. Use Jacob Lawrence's Paintings to Learn About the Great Migration
In the first half of the 20th century, millions of African Americans moved from the south to the north in what became known as the Great Migration. Jacob Lawrence, an African American artist, painted 60 panels to document this historical event. The titles of each painting provide the background information to understand each painting.
Walk your students through the Great Migration with these depictions of the paintings and their titles that explain each panel.
6. Learn About the Harlem Renaissance and Listen to Jazz
7. Use This Free Resource to Learn About MLK and Rosa Parks
8. Use This Free Printable Book on the Emancipation Proclamation
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the National Archives created this kid-friendly coloring book. The book provides background information and tells the story of the Emancipation Proclamation on coloring pages.
Never Stress Over Sub Plans Again!
Make copies, find a fiction book, and you'll be ready for any emergency that comes your way!