Celebrating Black History Month | A Guide for Teachers and Parents
Celebrating Black History Month | A Guide for Teachers and Parents
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By: Keara Holmes | Revised 2/6/2026
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February marks the observance of Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, contributions, and rich history of African Americans. But as educators and parents, we know that Black history is American history, and it shouldn't just be confined to the shortest month of the year.
For families with elementary school students, this month presents a unique opportunity to engage young minds in meaningful activities that foster understanding, empathy, and a lifelong appreciation for diversity.
Whether you are a classroom teacher looking for lesson plans or a parent looking to expand your home library, here is how you can support your student’s involvement this month.
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Why Black History Month Matters (Beyond the Classroom)
Why Black History Month Matters (Beyond the Classroom)
It isn’t just about memorizing dates or famous names. Integrating Black history into our daily lives supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in powerful ways:
Cultural Awareness: Celebrating Black History Month exposes students to the diverse traditions and histories within the African American community. It promotes cultural awareness and broadens perspectives, which is crucial for developing a worldview.
Inspiration and Growth Mindset: Learning about prominent figures—scientists, activists, artists—provides students with inspiring role models. It showcases resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence against historical challenges.
Building Empathy: Understanding the struggles and triumphs of the African American community fosters empathy. It encourages difficult but necessary conversations about equality, justice, and the importance of treating everyone with respect.
Promoting Inclusivity: This is an opportunity to reinforce the value of inclusivity. When students see themselves represented in history, they feel valued. When they see others represented, they learn respect.
3 MUST-READ BOOKS FOR YOUR BOOKSHELF
One of the best ways to introduce these complex topics to elementary-aged children is through literature. Read-alouds allow us to tackle big history in a way that is digestible and engaging. Here are three of my absolute favorites that belong in every home and classroom library:
Perfect for: Dreamers and STEM lovers. This beautiful picture book tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space. It is a wonderful tool for teaching a growth mindset. Even when her teacher told her she should be a nurse instead of an astronaut, Mae held onto her dream.
👉🏽Grab a copy from Books-A-Million here.
Perfect for: Discussing courage and school. Since our students are in school every day, Ruby’s story hits home. At just six years old, she showed immense bravery by integrating an all-white school. This book is excellent for discussing perspective-taking and what it means to be brave when you are scared.
👉🏽Grab a copy from Books-A-Million here.
Perfect for: Upper elementary and history buffs. This is the true story of Henry Brown, a man who literally mailed himself to freedom. It is a powerful narrative about the Underground Railroad and the lengths people will go to for liberty. It opens the door for deep conversations about resilience and ingenuity.
👉🏽Grab a copy from Books-A-Million here.
ENGAGING ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS
ENGAGING ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS
Learning doesn't stop at reading. Here are a few hands-on activities to bring history to life:
The "Living" Biography: Instead of a standard report, have students research a prominent figure and create a "prop box" that represents that person’s life (e.g., a paintbrush for Alma Thomas or a peanut for George Washington Carver).
Interactive Timelines: Create a collaborative timeline of key events. Students can contribute drawings or short descriptions to visualize how history progresses.
Virtual Museum Tours: You don't have to leave your house to visit the Smithsonian! Many museums, like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, offer online exhibits that can be integrated into lesson plans.
Art and Music Exploration: Introduce students to the jazz of Louis Armstrong or the art of Jacob Lawrence. Play the music while they work on art projects to create a multisensory learning environment.
TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS
TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS
Don't reinvent the wheel. These organizations have fantastic, ready-to-go materials:
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Access online exhibitions and digital resources.
Scholastic Black History Month: Find lesson plans, book lists, and classroom activities.
PBS Learning Media: Discover multimedia resources and interactive video clips.
Smithsonian Education: Access lesson plans specifically designed for educators.
As educators and parents, our involvement plays a crucial role in shaping a generation that values diversity. By fostering an appreciation for Black history, we contribute to the development of well-rounded, empathetic individuals who will make positive contributions to society.
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