Black History Month Primary Lesson Ideas - Sunday Teacher Feature (22)

If you are anything like me, then your wheels are already turning about how your classes will celebrate Black History Month this February. Before we dive deep into our ideas, let us remember that we should be celebrating Black history year round. Designate the month of February to dive deeper into the tremendous impact of Black history. Please also know that there are so many more ideas out there than just these three. We just want to help teachers feeling overwhelmed to have a starting point so they know how to begin planning.

First up this week is Mrs. Willis. She has done such a thorough job of teaching Black History Month to her kindergarteners we had to share. Her unit on Black history focuses on people, vocabulary, and numerous lesson ideas. Best of all, it's FREE! Let me repeat that...FREE! Although this unit may be geared more towards kinders, we think you can easily adapt this to first and second grades. Here is the link you want to click Mrs. Wills' Kindergarten to grab this FREE Black History Month unit.

Our next suggestion for diving deep into Black History Month was found on NCTE.org. They suggest participating in the National African American Read-In throughout the month of February. You simply choose a book by an African-American author, read on the designated days, and report it on the African-American Read-In Host Report Card. All of the information you need is linked here: African-American Read-In. This would be an easy activity to participate in whether you are teaching virtually or in-person. If you have plenty planned for your school day, then you could also suggest that students participate with their families.

This next idea I heard from a principal friend when I asked him how his school celebrates Black History Month. He shared with me that they do an all-school assembly and each grade chooses how they will participate. The music teacher has grades 5-8 learn different songs which are also performed. In normal years, they would do the assembly during the school day and then again in the evening for parents, but this year it will be done virtually. He said it is one of his favorite events of the year.

Please don't let the month of February escape without taking the time to dive in deep to a very HUGE piece of our American history. Please also know that there are so many teachers on Instagram that are more than willing to help answer your questions and share ideas. Feel free to contact us on Instagram (@lessonplantoolbox) or email: ([email protected]) and we are more than happy to help.

Be sure to click this link for your FREE Student Engagement Guide: Student Engagement Strategies

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