20 Fun & Educational Black History Month Activities for Kids
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
Teaching kids about Black history through engaging activities can make learning meaningful and memorable.
Here are 20 fun and educational Black History Month activities for kids!
1. Read Books by Black Authors
Choose books by Black authors that highlight historical figures, cultural stories, and important contributions.
Some great picks include “Hidden Figures“ by Margot Lee Shetterly and “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History“ by Vashti Harrison.
2. Create a Black History Month Timeline
Have kids create a timeline showcasing important events in Black history, from the Civil Rights Movement to present-day achievements.
Related Post: Black History Timeline
3. Learn About Black Inventors
Discover Black inventors and their contributions, such as George Washington Carver (peanut products) and Garrett Morgan (traffic signal).
Encourage kids to invent something new!
4. Watch Kid-Friendly Documentaries
Engage kids with age-appropriate documentaries like “Ruby Bridges” or “Martin Luther King Jr.: The Man and the Dream.”
PBS Kids has great kid-friendly coverage of Black History Month.
Little Bill is a great Nostalgic cartoon from Nickelodeon about a little boy and family. You can find it here or on YouTube.
5. Create a “Who Am I?” Guessing Game
Make flashcards with facts about famous Black historical figures. Have kids guess who they are based on the clues!
Cards that can be made for the Who Am I Guessing Game
6. Write a Letter to a Black Role Model
Encourage kids to write letters of appreciation to Black role models, whether historical figures or present-day influencers.
7. Cook a Traditional African or African American Dish
Explore Black culture through food! Try making soul food favorites like cornbread, collard greens, or jollof rice.
Here are some Amazing African/African American Food Blogs:
- Britney Breaks Bread
- Divas Can Cook
- AllModernMommy (the site you are reading)
8. Make an Art Project Inspired by Black Artists
Study Black artists like Jacob Lawrence or Alma Thomas and create artwork inspired by their styles.
6 DIY Crafts Inspired by African American Artists You Should Know – Kid Made Modern
9. Sing Songs from the Civil Rights Era
Introduce kids to songs like “We Shall Overcome” and discuss their significance in history.
10. Perform a Mini Play About Black History
Encourage kids to act out important moments from Black history, like Rosa Parks’ bus protest or Jackie Robinson’s first baseball game.
11. Watch an Animated Short About Black History
Platforms like PBS Kids and YouTube offer animated videos about Black historical figures and events.
12. Create a Black History Month Scrapbook
Have kids gather pictures, quotes, and short bios of Black leaders and put them together in a scrapbook.
13. Visit a Black History Museum or Virtual Exhibit
Explore Black history museums in person or online, such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Related Post: 12 Black History Museums to Visit From Home
14. Discuss Influential Black Athletes
Learn about legendary Black athletes like Serena Williams, Muhammad Ali, and Simone Biles and their impact on sports history.
15. Explore African and African American Folktales
Read or listen to traditional folktales like Anansi the Spider and discuss their meanings.
16. Create a Vision Board Inspired by Black Leaders
Encourage kids to make a vision board with quotes, images, and goals inspired by leaders like Barack Obama and Maya Angelou.
Related Post: How to Create a Vision Board
17. Host a Family Movie Night Featuring Black History
Watch inspiring movies like “The Princess and the Frog” or “Akeelah and the Bee” that highlight Black culture and achievements.
Related Post: How to Plan the Perfect Family Movie Night
18. Make a Collaborative Classroom or Home Mural
Create a mural featuring key figures and moments in Black history, allowing kids to contribute their own drawings and research.
Related Post: 10 African-American Crafts for Kids to Make
19. Write and Share an Acrostic Poem
Have kids write an acrostic poem using words like “Courage,” “History,” or “Freedom” related to Black history.
20. Interview a Family Member About Their Experiences
Encourage kids to talk with a family member or community elder about their experiences and contributions to history.
By incorporating these fun and educational activities, children can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history.
What activity will you start with first?
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