February is Black History Month—a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of Black individuals throughout history. For educators, this is a perfect opportunity to engage students with activities that build knowledge, foster empathy, and spark meaningful conversations. Whether you’re teaching upper elementary, middle school, or high school, here are some easy black history month activities.
1. Black History Month Research Project
One of the most engaging ways to celebrate Black History Month is by encouraging students to dive deep into the life of a Black historical figure. This project allows students to explore the contributions of leaders, innovators, artists, and changemakers who have shaped our world.
Steps for success:
- Have students choose a figure to research, such as Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, Katherine Johnson, or Claudette Colvin.
- Provide guidelines for gathering information about their chosen individual’s life, achievements, and impact.
- Ask students to present their findings through creative formats like Google Slides,
a tri-fold board, or a short speech.
2. Reinforce Reading Skills While Celebrating Black History Month
Integrate reading comprehension practice with lessons about reading passages about influential black historical figures, enabling students to enhance their literacy skills while also focusing on black history month.
If you are an intervention teacher or a teacher that work with small groups, these worksheets are perfect!
3. Celebrate Through Literature Circles or Book Clubs
Book clubs or literature circles are a fantastic way to immerse students in meaningful discussions while celebrating Black History Month. By reading books by Black authors or featuring Black protagonists, students can explore diverse perspectives and engage with powerful stories that reflect resilience, courage, and creativity.
Book ideas for all grade levels:
Upper Elementary:
- The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
- The United States v. Jackie Robinson by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
- Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader.
- When the Schools Shut Down by Yolanda Gladden and Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
- Freedom’s a-Callin Me by Ntozake Shange
- I Am Me by Jennifer Francis
- In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers by Folami Abiade and Dinah Johnson
- Middle School
- Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
- One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
- The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon
- Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
- The Old African by Julius Lester
- Sadiq and the Desert Star by Siman Nuurali
High School:
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Dear Martin by Nic Stone
- Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
- Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Encourage students to discuss themes, make connections, and reflect on how the stories resonate with their own lives.
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4. Classroom Displays:
Create a bulletin board or wall display featuring influential Black leaders, activists, scientists, writers, and artists. Have students research an important Black historical figure of their choice and make a one-page poster to hang up.
5. Highlight Black Historical Figures and Authors in Your Classroom Library
Use book stands to feature titles that celebrate Black History Month, showcasing books about influential Black historical figures and those written by African American authors. Create a dedicated book tub filled with inspiring stories and biographies that students can explore to learn more about Black history and culture.
