Black history did not begin and end with slavery. There is much to learn about the contributions African-Americans have made in the United States. Whether you're a traditional homeschooling family, virtual, or hybrid learning, there are several ways to teach Black History to your kids.
Black History Month began over 100 years ago as a way to recognize the achievements of African-Americans. During a tumultuous time in history, founders Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland recognized the importance of celebrating the African Diaspora in the United States.
This year, Black History Month comes on the heels of the attack on the United States Capitol and the country's ongoing unrest. Now is the ideal time to integrate homeschool lessons about Martin Luther King and other Black figures in history into your child's homeschool curriculum. Check out the following 6 homeschooling lessons for ideas to help teach about Black History Month in your homeschool.
Black History curriculum for homeschooling lessons
Make learning about Black people in history a priority
Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people. It's also a time to understand the trials and challenges African Americans have had to endure over the years. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) website emphasizes that Black History Month is an opportunity to teach students not just facts, figures, and names, but also ideas. Fostering a sense of empathy and understanding is key.
"It is important to engage students in activities that get them to think broadly and critically about the black experience in all of its complexity. Instruction should incorporate history, point of view, politics, struggle, first-person experience, art, literature, and data," the website states.
5. Dig deeper into Black history when out and about.
When on vacation or visiting sites near your home, research additional history of the area. In my home city of Charleston, SC, there are countless little known Black History facts to be discovered. For example, just a few miles away from my home is the Tuskeegee Airmen Memorial where the heroic pilots performed final combat training exercises. At Hampton Park in downtown Charleston, a statue of Denmark Vessy stands to commemorate an enslaved African. Upon purchasing his freedom, Vessy planned a revolt in Charleston.
6. Discover Black inventors and Black women and men who are making history today.
In a recent unit study, I introduced my son to NASA Scientist, Lonnie Johnson. Johnson invented the Super Soaker water toy. We made it a hands-on activity with a fun backyard Super Soaker fight.
As a homeschooling parent, it's important to make an effort to look for Black History. February being Black History Month, it's a good time to kick-off your studies — but learning about Black History is important year-round.
