35+ Best Black History Month Activities & Free Printables (2024)

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After studying the life of Martin Luther King Jr in January we wanted to dive deeper into Black History Month activities for February.

These holiday activities for kids are a great way to learn all about the importance of Black History Month.

Black History Month was first celebrated across America in 1976. It is also called National African American History Month.

I have put together over 35 resources that we will be using in our homeschool in February to educate ourselves better.

These black history month activities can be used either in school or in your homeschool.

35+ Best Black History Month Activities & Free Printables (1)

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Free Black History Month worksheets

Elevate your Black History Month curriculum for students in grades 4-8 with these diverse range of Black History Month printable activities:

  • Challenge your students with a free word search activity that introduces key figures and concepts in Black history through the Black History word search.
  • Sharpen their minds with a fun Black History Month word scramble.
  • Explore the contributions of black female scientists like Mae Jemison, Alexa Canady, and Marie M. Daly through our Women’s History Month coloring pages.
  • Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr with a Martin Luther King Jr word search puzzle.
  • The free printable Martin Luther King Jr facts provide an educational coloring activity for kids, enriching their knowledge about his life and impact on American history.
  • Educate students about Juneteenth with engaging word scrambles and coloring pages in the Juneteenth word scramble and Juneteenth coloring pages.
  • Engage young learners with a variety of educational activities that revolve around the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr in the Martin Luther King activities for kid’s.
  • Foster creativity and research skills with a Black History Month | Biographical Project, a notebooking project specially designed for 4th – 8th grade.
  • Make history come alive through the FlocabularyCivil Rights Movementlesson plan, featuring songs and videos that cover the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Test students’ knowledge with a Black History free quiz printable that delves into the rich history of African Americans.
  • Access a wealth of free resources for educators catering to elementary and middle school students with the African American History for teachers resources.
  • Discover valuable educational resources from the National Education Association for Black History Month.
  • Explore additional resources on Quizlet to support your Black History Month curriculum.
  • Embrace the opportunity to celebrate and learn about and celebrate African American heritage.
  • Gain a comprehensive view of the historical timeline and access various educational resources.
  • Dive into African American history through literature based Unit studies.
  • Find a collection of worksheets at Education.com to enrich your Black History Month curriculum.
  • Decorate your classroom with inspiring posters featuring famous Black scientists.
  • Explore the “firsts” achieved by African Americans with these informative printables in the Black History Month Famous First Printables activity.
  • Learn about the life and work of George Washington Carver through an interactive coloring and activity book.
  • Inspire creativity and education with a coloring book highlighting prominent African American figures.

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Black History Month activity ideas

Here are some fun and educational Black History Month activity ideas for kids that can be enjoyed both inside and outside the classroom:

Encourage kids to choose a famous Black figure to learn about. They can create a presentation or poster of what they have learned.

Create a timeline featuring key events and figures in Black history.

Explore the rich culinary traditions of African and African American cuisine by cooking a meal together as a family. Try making dishes like jerk chicken, gumbo, or cornbread and discuss their cultural significance.

35+ Best Black History Month Activities & Free Printables (3)

Listen to music by Black artists as a family. You can explore various genres and discuss the historical and cultural context of the songs you listen to.

Visit museums, cultural centers, or local events that celebrate Black History Month. It’s a great way for kids to experience history in a fun and interactive way.

Start a book club and read age-appropriate books by Black authors or about Black history. After reading, have discussions to share insights and reflections.

Explore art projects inspired by famous Black artists. Create your own masterpieces in the style of Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, or Alma Thomas. Read Black Artists Shaping the World for more inspiration.

Learn and perform traditional African dances such as stepping.

Watch age-appropriate movies that highlight the contributions and achievements of Black individuals in various fields. Discuss the stories and the lessons they teach. Such as Soul for younger children, or Self Made for older kids.

These activities not only educate children about the significance of Black History Month but also encourage them to celebrate diversity and appreciate the contributions of Black individuals to our society.

Younger kids will enjoy these Black History writing prompts for kindergarten

Black History Month inventor’s activities

Explore a captivating array of educational activities and resources centered around Black History Month and the contributions of black inventors:

  1. Engage students in a creative learning experience by providing them with black inventors coloring pages.
  2. Delve deeper into the history of black scientists and inventors with comprehensive timelines that highlight the achievements of the most prominent figures in the field. These timelines offer a chronological perspective on the groundbreaking innovations and contributions made by black inventors throughout history.
  3. K12 Readers has curated a wealth of free educational resources tailored specifically for elementary grade students. These resources cover a wide range of topics related to Black History Month and black inventors, providing an accessible and informative platform for young learners.
  4. Explore a collection of educational materials and resources on African American inventors, sourced from Education.com.

Black History Month books for kids

Immerse yourself in the rich and inspiring world of Black history with these carefully selected kid’s books tailored for in-depth exploration:

Black Heroes. This captivating book takes young readers on a journey through time, introducing 51 remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on history, from ancient Africa to contemporary America. It provides an engaging and educational narrative of their accomplishments and contributions.

Timelines from Black History. Dive into the timelines of black history and discover the leaders, legends, and legacies that have shaped our world. This book offers a chronological perspective, tracing the significant milestones and achievements of Black individuals throughout history, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the broader context.

The ABCs of Black History. Through the alphabet, this book offers an engaging way for young readers to learn about key figures and events in Black history. It uses a creative approach, with each letter representing a person, place, or concept that has played a vital role in the history of African Americans.

Black Inventors. Delve into the world of innovation and discover 15 groundbreaking inventions by Black inventors that have had a profound impact on society. This book not only highlights their contributions but also showcases the importance of diversity in the world of invention and innovation.

You will also enjoy these free printable black history bookmarks!

Black History Month videos for kids

Introduce kids to the world of Black History Month through engaging videos designed to captivate visual learners and make learning more exciting. Videos bring history to life by showing important people and events in action. Making it easier for kids to understand and remember.

From stories of courageous figures like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman to the vibrant Harlem Renaissance. These videos provide a colorful window into the past, making history both fun and educational.

Please let me know what Black History Month activities you have planned.

Last Updated on 1 February 2024 by homeschoolof1

35+ Best Black History Month Activities & Free Printables (2024)

FAQs

Where can I learn more about Black History Month? ›

Historical Documents & Museum
  • Primary Documents Archives- BlackPast.org.
  • Learn Center - National Civil Rights Museum.
  • The Collection- National Museum of African American History & Culture.
  • 12 Black History Museums you can Explore from Home - Momma Wanderlust.
Jan 14, 2022

What is the best way to teach Black History Month? ›

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

How do you celebrate Black History Month virtually? ›

13 Black History Month Ideas for a Virtual Workplace
  1. What is Black History Month?
  2. Black History Month Trivia Game.
  3. DEI consultations and/or workshops.
  4. Support Black-owned businesses.
  5. Donate to causes that help the Black community.
  6. Celebrate the culture.
  7. Go on a virtual tour.
  8. Spread the word.
Jan 20, 2023

What is the essential question for Black History Month? ›

Questions for you to consider: ● What motivated African Americans to fight in the Civil War ● What were the limits of the Emancipation Proclamation ● What were White Americans' and White politicians' concerns regarding the Black response to the Civil War?

What are three best things about Black History Month? ›

Here are five important things to know about this meaningful commemoration:
  • It Started as a Week.
  • Carter Woodson: The Father of Black History.
  • February Was Chosen for a Reason.
  • A Week Becomes a Month.
  • Honoring African-American Men and Women.
Feb 18, 2019

What is the 2024 theme for Black History Month? ›

The 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the creativity, resilience and innovation from a culture that has uplifted spirits and soothed souls in countless ways across centuries.

How do you respectfully celebrate Black History Month? ›

8 Ways to Honor Black History Month
  1. Educate Yourself on the Black History in Your Community.
  2. Visit a Black or African-American History Museum.
  3. Learn about Black Music History.
  4. Read Books Written by Black Authors.
  5. Watch Films or Videos by Black Creators.
  6. Support Black-owned Businesses.
  7. Support Influential Black-led Nonprofits.
Feb 10, 2023

What are some Black history topics? ›

Contents
  • Slavery.
  • Abolition and Emancipation.
  • Reconstruction.
  • Segregation and Black Migration.
  • Civil Rights.
Aug 15, 2016

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 is an unknown fact about Black History Month? ›

Harvard-educated historian and author, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, is credited with creating Black History Month. Black History Month started as “Negro History Week” which was celebrated during the week of Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass' birthdays (February 12th and 14th).

What was the ultimate goal of Black History Month? ›

In 1986, the Presidential Proclamation 5443 noted that “the foremost purpose of Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity.” Thus, let us think of Black History Month the way our nation honors its greatest moments and greatest people.

Where can I learn about African American history? ›

The National Archives holds a wealth of material documenting the African American experience and highlights these resources online, in programs, and through traditional and social media.

How to teach Black History Month as a white teacher? ›

Be sure to allow students an opportunity for discussion and reflection. Shy away from controversial, ambiguous, or unresolved issues. Share the real-life experiences about racial realities in developmentally appropriate ways. Think that you can't talk about black history because you're a white educator.

Why was February chosen for Black History Month? ›

Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively.

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