February is Black History Month, and it’s a special time for us to celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. At our early learning center, we are excited to engage our young learners in activities that promote understanding, respect, and appreciation for diversity. Here are some meaningful activities and book suggestions that you can enjoy with your children at home to celebrate Black History Month.
Create a Unity Handprint Craft
This simple and symbolic craft is a great way to teach children about unity and diversity.
- What You Need: Construction paper in various skin-tone colors, scissors, glue, and a large sheet of paper or poster board.
- What To Do: Trace your child’s hand on different colors of construction paper and cut them out. Arrange the handprints in a circle or heart shape on the poster board and glue them down. Discuss the importance of unity and how people of all different backgrounds can come together to create something beautiful.
Listen and Dance to Black Musicians’ Songs
Introduce your children to the rich musical heritage of Black musicians by listening to some age-appropriate songs.
- What You Need: Music streaming service or access to songs by Black artists (e.g., Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Marley).
- What To Do: Play the songs and encourage your child to dance, clap, and sing along. Explain a bit about the artist and their contributions to music. For example, you can talk about how Louis Armstrong was a jazz legend who used his music to bring joy to people all over the world.
Read Books by Black Authors and Illustrators
Reading together is a fantastic way to learn about Black history and culture. Here are some wonderful, young child-friendly books written or illustrated by Black creators:
- “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
- “Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Take time to read these books with your child and discuss the themes and messages within each story. Celebrate the beautiful illustrations and the inspiring stories that highlight the beauty and strength of Black individuals.
Learn About Inspiring Black Figures
Talk to your child about some of the inspiring Black figures in history and their accomplishments. You can create simple, age-appropriate profiles with pictures and short descriptions. Here are a few examples:
- Martin Luther King Jr.: Leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for equality and justice.
- Rosa Parks: Activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- Mae Jemison: The first Black woman astronaut to travel to space.
- Katherine Johnson: Mathematician whose calculations were crucial to NASA’s space missions.
Cook a Traditional African or African American Dish
Cooking together is a wonderful way to explore different cultures. Find a simple recipe for a traditional African or African American dish that you and your child can prepare together. You can talk about the cultural significance of the dish while enjoying the delicious results!
We hope you and your children enjoy these activities and books as you celebrate Black History Month. Let’s use this time to learn, grow, and appreciate the diverse tapestry of our shared history. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us on social media by tagging Town & Country Early Learning Centers!
