Free Learning Resources for Black History Month (And Beyond) | Common Sense Education (2024)

The inclusion of Black history and culture isessential for anaccurateand true representation of American (and world) history overall. Black History Month is a time to highlight the people who have not only created foundational innovations, art, and achievements, but also organized and protested for equal rights and freedoms.

Of course, the civil rights movement and figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks are integral pieces of this history. But there are lesser-known -- and incredibly impactful -- people and contributions that illustrate an even greaterbreadth and depth of Black history and culture.

Below you'll find resources -- including videos, texts, lessons, podcasts, and more-- about activists, art and culture, inventors, engineers, historical events, and beyond. And to extend your search even further, don't missthe list of broader collections found at the bottomof this article. Everyresource we've curated here has a suggested grade band, butmany are flexible and adaptable to just about any age group. Consider the possibilities for how you might integrate these resources into your instruction (or use them at home!) during Black History Month or any time of the year.

A reminder for teachers: Navigate stories and images of oppression and violence with care.Black history is a complicated mix of both triumph and tribulations. While Black history doesn't begin or end with slavery or the injustices of racism, these harsh realities are part of it.Keep in mind your students' abilities when it comesto processing what they're reading, seeing, and listening to, and be aware that triggering topics can sometimes be more traumatic for Black and Brown kids.

Essential Sites and Curricula for All Ages

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Free Learning Resources for Black History Month (And Beyond) | Common Sense Education (2)

Activities and Resources for Preschool to Third Grade

Audio and Stories for Preschool to Third Grade

  • Listen along as James Earl Jones reads "To Be a Drum," a story of rhythm, history, and freedom.
  • Enjoy the African Folktales With Miss Jo Jo podcast to hear stories that originated in Africa and were passed down through generations.

Videosfor Preschool to Third Grade

Hands-On Activitiesfor Preschool to Third Grade

Activities and Resources for Third to Fifth Grade

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Audio and Stories for Third Grade to Fifth Grade

Videos for Third Gradeto Fifth Grade

Hands-On Activitiesfor Third Gradeto Fifth Grade

Text-Based Activities forThird Gradeto Fifth Grade

Activities and Resources for Sixth to Eighth Grade

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Audio and Stories for Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

Videosfor Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

Hands-On Activitiesfor Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

  • Visit this online exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to read about Frederick Douglass and see images ofsomeof his handwritten documents.
  • Learn more about the history behind trap music, a ubiquitous, influential music genre, inthis lesson from PBS LearningMedia.
  • Watch this video from Flocabulary to examine Langston Hughes'most famous poem and his use of figurative language. Then have students writetheirown "Harlem"-inspired poem.
  • Read one of the many thought-provoking stories on the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) website, and then dig into the associated collections of artifacts.

Text-Based Activitiesfor Sixth Grade to Eighth Grade

Activities and Resources for Ninth to Twelfth Grade

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Audio and Stories for Ninth to Twelfth Grade

Videosfor Ninth to Twelfth Grade

Hands-On Activitiesfor Ninth to Twelfth Grade

Text-Based Activities forNinth to Twelfth Grade

Free Learning Resources for Black History Month (And Beyond) | Common Sense Education (2024)

FAQs

How to learn more about Black History Month? ›

The Many Ways to Learn Black History
  1. Classes, Teachings and Lesson Plans:
  2. Books & Collections:
  3. Articles and Resources:
  4. Podcasts:
  5. Videos:
  6. Roots and Records Searching Resources.
  7. Historical Documents & Museum.
Jan 14, 2022

What is the essential question for Black History Month? ›

Essential Questions:
  • Why do we celebrate Black History Month?
  • Which influential African Americans do we celebrate this month?
  • What inventions/contributions did African Americans provide to better our future?
  • Who do you find contributed most to our country?

What is the learning objective of Black History Month? ›

Learning Objectives:

Students will discuss each man's vision for achieving equal rights for Black Americans. Students will draw connections between the readings and their lives to determine which strategies they might choose to create positive change in their own communities.

Why is it important for students to learn about Black History Month? ›

Finally, African American history is important because it encourages better citizenship. It emphasizes the ties that bind together individuals, communities, and generations. It illuminates the struggles to redefine and expand constitutional and human rights, both for Black and non-Black people.

How do you honor Black History Month in the classroom? ›

10 Ideas To Mark Black History Month in Your Classroom
  1. Have students write an “I Have a Dream” speech. ...
  2. Read (and provide books) about civil rights. ...
  3. Start a class community service project. ...
  4. Begin each class with a Fact of the Day. ...
  5. Teach Black art in the classroom. ...
  6. Decorate your door.

What are 2 important facts about Black History Month? ›

It was first celebrated during the second week of February in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass (February 14). In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded to a month.

What are two important facts about Black History Month that many people may not know? ›

Black History Month Trivia
  • William Tucker, son of indentured servants from Great Britain, was the first recorded African child to be born in the colonies in 1624.
  • Vermont was the first colony to ban slavery in 1777.
  • In the 1770s, a Quaker named Anthony Benezet created the first school for African American children.
Jan 11, 2022

How to incorporate Black History Month at school? ›

Black History Month Activities for Kids
  1. Write About Famous Quotes From Black Americans. ...
  2. Set Up a Door Decorating Contest. ...
  3. Study the Civil Rights Movement & Segregation. ...
  4. Take Virtual Field Trips. ...
  5. Get to Know Local Black Americans. ...
  6. Read Books With Black Protagonists. ...
  7. Create Timelines of Important Moments in Black History.
Feb 10, 2023

How to explain Black History Month to elementary students? ›

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

What is the basic objective of black studies? ›

A specific aim and objective of this interdisciplinary field of study is to help students broaden their knowledge of the worldwide human experience by presenting an aspect of that experience—the Black Experience—which has traditionally been neglected or distorted by educational institutions.

What is the correct term for Black History Month? ›

African-American History Month

How to teach African American history? ›

Below are some tips to help educators improve the way they teach Black History — in February and all year long.
  1. Teach through Black voices. Don't teach about Black history — teach through it, King says. ...
  2. Highlight the achievements of Black people. ...
  3. Center Black perspectives. ...
  4. Honor Black humanity.

How to introduce Black History Month to students? ›

40 Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond
  1. Learn the basics about Black History Month. ...
  2. Re-create civil rights freedom posters. ...
  3. Explore Black history through primary sources from the National Archives. ...
  4. Learn about famous Black artists. ...
  5. Watch a Black History Month video. ...
  6. Learn about Black Lives Matter.
Jan 16, 2024

What are 2 things you know about Black History Month? ›

Black History Month celebrates African Americans' history, contributions, and achievements. Almost 100 years ago, Black History Month began as a weeklong event. It's now a month-long celebration that takes place every February. Black history embraces the 400-year-long record of Black life in America.

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