Black History Month is an annual observance that honors the achievements, contributions, and struggles of Black individuals throughout history.
Let’s make Black History Month special for our preschoolers with some awesome activities!
🌈📚 Dive into the richness of diversity, share inspiring stories, and create lasting memories with our little learners.
“Storytelling Through Picture Books”:
Introduce preschoolers to the inspiring stories of prominent African American figures through engaging picture books. Select age-appropriate books that highlight the achievements and contributions of individuals such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Harriet Tubman. After reading the stories, facilitate a group discussion, allowing children to share their thoughts and ask questions.
“Celebrating Diversity with Art”:
Engage preschoolers in a hands-on art project that celebrates diversity and African American culture. Provide various art materials such as paint, markers, and construction paper, along with reference images of influential Black figures like Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, or Misty Copeland.
Related: 20 Fun Diversity Crafts for Preschoolers
“Exploring Rhythm and Music”:
Introduce preschoolers to the vibrant world of African American music by incorporating rhythmic activities. Play songs from different genres like jazz, gospel, or soul, and encourage children to clap, stomp, or dance along to the beat. You can also provide simple musical instruments such as drums or shakers for them to experiment with. Use this opportunity to discuss the origins of these musical styles and the influential African American musicians who shaped them.
“Embracing Diversity with Dress-up”:
Organize a dress-up day where preschoolers can come to school dressed as their favorite historical figures or cultural icons from the African American community. Encourage children to think creatively and choose individuals they find inspiring. As they share their chosen characters with their peers, facilitate discussions about their accomplishments and the impact they had on society.
“Community Heroes: Guest Speaker Series”:
Invite members of the local community who have made significant contributions to civil rights, education, or other fields to speak to the preschoolers. These guest speakers can include local activists, educators, or professionals who can share their personal experiences and inspire young learners.
“Discovering Inventors and Innovators”:
Introduce preschoolers to notable African American inventors and innovators who have made significant contributions to society. Set up a discovery station with photographs and information about individuals such as Garrett Morgan (inventor of the traffic signal) or Marie Van Brittan Brown (inventor of the home security system).
“A Journey Through Civil Rights”:
Create a timeline showcasing key events and milestones of the Civil Rights Movement in a visually appealing and age-appropriate way. Use pictures, symbols, and simple explanations to help preschoolers understand the importance of this period in history. Facilitate discussions about segregation, Rosa Parks’s act of defiance, or the March on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr.
“Culinary Exploration:
Introduce preschoolers to the diverse flavors and dishes of African American cuisine. Collaborate with parents or local community members to prepare a tasting event where children can sample traditional foods such as soul food, Gullah cuisine, or West African dishes. Create a “tasting passport” for each child to document their culinary journey, including the names of the dishes they try and their impressions.
“Creating Unity with a Friendship Quilt”:
Teach preschoolers about the importance of unity and friendship by engaging them in a collaborative quilt-making project. Provide fabric squares, markers, and craft materials for children to decorate their own squares with symbols, images, or messages that represent unity and friendship. Once completed, sew the squares together to create a quilt that symbolizes unity and diversity within the preschool community.
“Expressing Emotions through Poetry”:
Introduce preschoolers to the works of influential African American poets, such as Langston Hughes or Maya Angelou. Read aloud age-appropriate poems and discuss the emotions and themes they convey. Encourage children to express their own emotions through simple poetry or nursery rhymes, using their own words or drawings.
“Exploring African American Art”:
Introduce preschoolers to the vibrant world of African American art by showcasing the works of renowned artists such as Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Display prints or reproductions of their artwork in the classroom and engage children in discussions about the colors, shapes, and stories depicted in the pieces.
“Community Service: Acts of Kindness”:
Teach preschoolers about the importance of community service and acts of kindness by organizing a service project in honor of Black History Month. Engage children in activities such as making cards for local nursing homes, collecting and donating books to underprivileged schools, or organizing a food drive for a community pantry. Discuss the impact of these actions and how they contribute to making the world a better place.
“Exploring African Folktales”:
Introduce preschoolers to the rich tradition of African folktales by sharing stories that have been passed down through generations. Choose stories that emphasize important values such as courage, resilience, or the power of wisdom. After reading the stories, engage children in discussions about the lessons and messages conveyed.
“STEM Pioneers: Discovering African American Scientists”:
Showcase the contributions of African American scientists and inventors in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Introduce preschoolers to individuals like Mae Jemison (astronaut), George Washington Carver (agricultural scientist), or Lonnie Johnson (inventor of the Super Soaker water gun).
“Cultural Celebration: African Dance and Drumming”:
Introduce preschoolers to the energetic rhythms and movements of African dance and drumming. Arrange for a guest instructor or a local dance troupe to visit the preschool and conduct a fun and interactive dance workshop. Teach children simple dance steps, hand clapping patterns, or basic drumming techniques.
“Community Hero Interviews”:
Encourage preschoolers to conduct interviews with community members who have made a positive impact in their neighborhood or town. Provide them with prepared questions and guide them through the process of conducting interviews. Invite individuals such as local activists, firefighters, or teachers who exemplify leadership and service. Allow children to ask questions and listen to their stories. This activity promotes communication skills, empathy, and an understanding of the value of community involvement.
“African American Heritage Museum”:
Transform a designated area of the preschool classroom into a mini museum showcasing artifacts and images representing African American heritage. Collaborate with parents, community members, or local organizations to collect items such as traditional clothing, art pieces, or historical artifacts.
“Theater and Storytelling: Bringing History to Life”:
Organize a theatrical performance or storytelling session where preschoolers can act out or retell important moments from African American history. Select key events or stories such as the Underground Railroad, the Selma to Montgomery March, or the Little Rock Nine. Provide props, costumes, and simple scripts for children to follow.
“Multicultural Food Exploration”:
Organize a multicultural food exploration activity where preschoolers can learn about traditional African American dishes and other cuisines from around the world. Collaborate with families to gather recipes or prepare dishes representing diverse cultures.
“African Art and Craft Workshop”:
Introduce preschoolers to African art and craft traditions by organizing a hands-on workshop. Provide materials such as beads, clay, fabric, and natural materials like leaves or twigs. Engage children in activities such as creating traditional African masks, making bead jewelry, or designing fabric patterns inspired by African textiles.
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Black History Month is an annual observance that honors the achievements, contributions, and struggles of Black individuals throughout history. It is a time to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and significant accomplishments of African Americans. The month-long observance takes place in February in the United States and Canada, while other countries may celebrate it at different times.
"Storytelling Through Picture Books"
One activity to make Black History Month special for preschoolers is to introduce them to the inspiring stories of prominent African American figures through engaging picture books. Select age-appropriate books that highlight the achievements and contributions of individuals such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Harriet Tubman. After reading the stories, facilitate a group discussion, allowing children to share their thoughts and ask questions.
"Celebrating Diversity with Art"
Engage preschoolers in a hands-on art project that celebrates diversity and African American culture. Provide various art materials such as paint, markers, and construction paper, along with reference images of influential Black figures like Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, or Misty Copeland. This activity allows children to express their creativity while learning about important individuals in African American history.
"Exploring Rhythm and Music"
Introduce preschoolers to the vibrant world of African American music by incorporating rhythmic activities. Play songs from different genres like jazz, gospel, or soul, and encourage children to clap, stomp, or dance along to the beat. You can also provide simple musical instruments such as drums or shakers for them to experiment with. Use this opportunity to discuss the origins of these musical styles and the influential African American musicians who shaped them.
"Embracing Diversity with Dress-up"
Organize a dress-up day where preschoolers can come to school dressed as their favorite historical figures or cultural icons from the African American community. Encourage children to think creatively and choose individuals they find inspiring. As they share their chosen characters with their peers, facilitate discussions about their accomplishments and the impact they had on society.
"Community Heroes: Guest Speaker Series"
Invite members of the local community who have made significant contributions to civil rights, education, or other fields to speak to the preschoolers. These guest speakers can include local activists, educators, or professionals who can share their personal experiences and inspire young learners.
"Discovering Inventors and Innovators"
Introduce preschoolers to notable African American inventors and innovators who have made significant contributions to society. Set up a discovery station with photographs and information about individuals such as Garrett Morgan (inventor of the traffic signal) or Marie Van Brittan Brown (inventor of the home security system). This activity helps children understand the impact of African American inventors and their contributions to various fields.
"A Journey Through Civil Rights"
Create a timeline showcasing key events and milestones of the Civil Rights Movement in a visually appealing and age-appropriate way. Use pictures, symbols, and simple explanations to help preschoolers understand the importance of this period in history. Facilitate discussions about segregation, Rosa Parks's act of defiance, or the March on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr.
"Culinary Exploration"
Introduce preschoolers to the diverse flavors and dishes of African American cuisine. Collaborate with parents or local community members to prepare a tasting event where children can sample traditional foods such as soul food, Gullah cuisine, or West African dishes. This activity allows children to explore different tastes and learn about the culinary traditions of African Americans.
"Creating Unity with a Friendship Quilt"
Teach preschoolers about the importance of unity and friendship by engaging them in a collaborative quilt-making project. Provide fabric squares, markers, and craft materials for children to decorate their own squares with symbols, images, or messages that represent unity and friendship. Once completed, sew the squares together to create a quilt that symbolizes unity and diversity within the preschool community.
"Expressing Emotions through Poetry"
Introduce preschoolers to the works of influential African American poets, such as Langston Hughes or Maya Angelou. Read aloud age-appropriate poems and discuss the emotions and themes they convey. Encourage children to express their own emotions through simple poetry or nursery rhymes, using their own words or drawings.
"Exploring African American Art"
Introduce preschoolers to the vibrant world of African American art by showcasing the works of renowned artists such as Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Display prints or reproductions of their artwork in the classroom and engage children in discussions about the colors, shapes, and stories depicted in the pieces.
"Community Service: Acts of Kindness"
Teach preschoolers about the importance of community service and acts of kindness by organizing a service project in honor of Black History Month. Engage children in activities such as making cards for local nursing homes, collecting and donating books to underprivileged schools, or organizing a food drive for a community pantry. Discuss the impact of these actions and how they contribute to making the world a better place.
"Exploring African Folktales"
Introduce preschoolers to the rich tradition of African folktales by sharing stories that have been passed down through generations. Choose stories that emphasize important values such as courage, resilience, or the power of wisdom. After reading the stories, engage children in discussions about the lessons and messages conveyed.
"STEM Pioneers: Discovering African American Scientists"
Showcase the contributions of African American scientists and inventors in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Introduce preschoolers to individuals like Mae Jemison (astronaut), George Washington Carver (agricultural scientist), or Lonnie Johnson (inventor of the Super Soaker water gun).
"Cultural Celebration: African Dance and Drumming"
Introduce preschoolers to the energetic rhythms and movements of African dance and drumming. Arrange for a guest instructor or a local dance troupe to visit the preschool and conduct a fun and interactive dance workshop. Teach children simple dance steps, hand clapping patterns, or basic drumming techniques.
"Community Hero Interviews"
Encourage preschoolers to conduct interviews with community members who have made a positive impact in their neighborhood or town. Provide them with prepared questions and guide them through the process of conducting interviews. Invite individuals such as local activists, firefighters, or teachers who exemplify leadership and service. Allow children to ask questions and listen to their stories. This activity promotes communication skills, empathy, and an understanding of the value of community involvement.
"African American Heritage Museum"
Transform a designated area of the preschool classroom into a mini museum showcasing artifacts and images representing African American heritage. Collaborate with parents, community members, or local organizations to collect items such as traditional clothing, art pieces, or historical artifacts.
"Theater and Storytelling: Bringing History to Life"
Organize a theatrical performance or storytelling session where preschoolers can act out or retell important moments from African American history. Select key events or stories such as the Underground Railroad, the Selma to Montgomery March, or the Little Rock Nine. Provide props, costumes, and simple scripts for children to follow.
"Multicultural Food Exploration"
Organize a multicultural food exploration activity where preschoolers can learn about traditional African American dishes and other cuisines from around the world. Collaborate with families to gather recipes or prepare dishes representing diverse cultures.
"African Art and Craft Workshop"
Introduce preschoolers to African art and craft traditions by organizing a hands-on workshop. Provide materials such as beads, clay, fabric, and natural materials like leaves or twigs. Engage children in activities such as creating traditional African masks, making bead jewelry, or designing fabric patterns inspired by African textiles.
These activities provide opportunities for preschoolers to learn about African American history, culture, and contributions in a fun and engaging way. By incorporating these activities into the curriculum, educators can help foster a sense of appreciation, understanding, and respect for diversity among young learners.
