Every February, schools across the country plan special activities around the themes of Black history and the value of cultural diversity. Educators play a pivotal role in fostering awareness and understanding of Black history. Use the ideas below, plus educational tools and resources from Positive Promotions, to engage your school community and make this year’s Black History Month even more meaningful.

Encouraging Literacy

The African American Read-In takes place every February to highlight the role Black authors have played in American culture. Hold a special assembly in honor of the event, and have storytellers read books. Later, have each teacher select a book by a Black author for reading and discussing in the classroom. Set up a display of books by African Americans to loan out. Whenever someone reads and returns one of the books, reward him or her with a Black history-themed bookmark.

Dressed-Up Doors

Combine Black history and good character with a door-decorating contest. Ask each classroom to decorate its door to represent one or two character traits, such as Courage, Kindness, Fairness, Respect, Determination, and Leadership. The door should feature famous African Americans who represent the assigned traits, and why. Invite students to use photos, quotes, drawings, and bios. Reward students in the classroom with the best decorated door for each grade level with gifts such as T-shirts and backpacks.

Nurturing Dreams

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Have A Dream” speech inspire people to this day. Play students the audio or video of the speech at the 1963 March on Washington. Then have them make “dream catcher” pillowcases by illustrating their hopes and dreams on blank pillowcases. Ask students to bring in new or used pillowcases; you supply the art materials. Encourage them to keep dreaming by gifting them Black history journals and pencils to write about their goals and aspirations.

Black History Is A-MAZE-ing

Help students design their own Black history puzzles, such as mazes and word searches. They can use the names of famous African Americans as the words to be found in a word search. You can use computers or graph paper for building the puzzles. For inspiration before the activity, pass out educational activities books about Black history.

The Importance Of Role Models

Celebrate young Black professionals in your community by inviting them to come speak to your students. You can have them come to certain classrooms or organize a school assembly in their honor. Ask the speakers to talk about the steps they took to succeed, and share any advice they have for students of color and for all students. Thank your honorees by presenting them with a Black History Month tote and tumbler.

Buzzing About Black History

Create some friendly competition to motivate students to learn about the past. Hold a Black history bee. You can take the questions from Black history educational posters, which you can hang in hallways and give students a chance to read before the event. Then divide students into teams, and provide them with additional study materials. After your bee, award winners with prizes such as earbuds, bracelets, and water bottles.

Wishing A Happy Birthday

Black History Month was set in February because Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born that month. Rosa Parks also was born in February. Teach your students about the significance of these American heroes, then hold a birthday party for them. Decorate with celebration balloons and serve cupcakes!

Shop all of Positive Promotions Black History Month collection for even more ideas and inspiration!