Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. As a federal holiday, Juneteenth provides an opportunity to teach young children about freedom, history, and cultural appreciation in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate. Here are several ways to celebrate Juneteenth in early childhood education (ECE).
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Teaching Juneteenth Through Storytelling
Books and storytelling help young children understand history in a relatable way. Educators can introduce Juneteenth with simple, engaging stories that highlight themes of freedom and celebration. Some great books include:
- Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
- All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson
- The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story by Glenda Armand
Reading these books aloud and discussing their themes can help children grasp the significance of Juneteenth in an accessible way (Brightwheel, 2024).
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Juneteenth Arts & Crafts
Creative activities allow children to express themselves while learning about the holiday. Some craft ideas include:
- Freedom Flags – Children can create red, white, and blue flags inspired by the official Juneteenth flag, symbolizing resilience and unity.
- Handprint Art – Using red and green paint (colors often associated with African heritage), children can make handprint designs representing unity and strength.
- Collage of Heroes – Educators can introduce historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, encouraging children to create collages celebrating their contributions.
These activities help children connect with the holiday through hands-on learning (We Are Teachers, 2023).
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Music & Movement for Juneteenth
Music is a powerful way to celebrate Juneteenth. Educators can incorporate:
- Drumming and Rhythm Games – Exploring African drumming patterns and rhythms.
- Freedom Songs – Singing songs like This Little Light of Mine or Lift Every Voice and Sing.
- Dance Celebrations – Encouraging children to move to traditional African and jazz music.
Music fosters cultural appreciation and helps children engage with history in a joyful way (Brightwheel, 2024).
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Juneteenth Sensory Play
Sensory activities help young children explore concepts in a hands-on way. Some ideas include:
- Red-Themed Sensory Bins – Using red rice, beads, and fabric to symbolize resilience.
- Water Play – Exploring the idea of renewal and freedom through water-based activities.
- Texture Exploration – Using different materials to represent the journey to freedom.
Sensory play makes learning about Juneteenth interactive and engaging (Brightwheel, 2024).
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Family Involvement in Juneteenth
Encouraging families to celebrate Juneteenth at home strengthens the connection between school and home learning. Educators can:
- Send Home Story Recommendations – Providing book lists for families to read together.
- Suggest Simple Crafts – Sharing easy art projects that families can do together.
- Encourage Community Events – Informing families about local Juneteenth celebrations.
Family involvement helps reinforce the importance of Juneteenth beyond the classroom (We Are Teachers, 2023).
Juneteenth is a meaningful holiday that teaches young children about freedom, history, and cultural appreciation. By incorporating storytelling, crafts, music, sensory play, and family engagement, educators can create a rich and inclusive learning experience that honors this important day.
References
Brightwheel. (2024). Juneteenth resources for preschoolers. https://mybrightwheel.com/blog/juneteenth-for-kids
We Are Teachers. (2023). 20 inspiring Juneteenth activities to celebrate the holiday. https://www.weareteachers.com/teaching-juneteenth/
