Make This Your Best Black History Month Yet!

Black History Month is an incredible opportunity to celebrate, educate, and inspire your students. But with everything else going on in the classroom, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to know where to start. Here are four actionable ways to make this Black History Month your best yet!

P.S. I’ll be providing all kinds of tips and resources throughout Black History Month in my weekly resource roundup- The Equitable Educator.

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1. Get Intentional 🎯

Planning ahead is key to creating a meaningful and engaging Black History Month experience. While read-alouds are a great starting point, consider broadening your scope to include diverse activities that immerse students in the richness of Black history and culture.

Give yourself some time to map out lessons, resources, and experiences that tie into your curriculum and your students’ interests. Whether it’s spotlighting Black trailblazers in your subject area or integrating history with art, science, or literature, being intentional will ensure you go beyond surface-level activities.

2. Bring People IN! 🌍

The best learning often comes from connection, and Black History Month is the perfect opportunity to invite your community into the classroom. Reach out to local Black Cultural Centers, museums, or organizations to see if they have speakers or resources they can share with your students.

Don’t forget about families! If they’re comfortable, invite them to share stories, traditions, or even recipes that reflect Black culture. For example, when I taught 5th grade, some of our families brought in food to share with the class—it was a memorable and delicious experience that left a lasting impact!

3. Make It a Project! 🎨

Black History Month is a natural fit for Project-Based Learning. Encourage your students to get creative and take ownership of their learning through hands-on projects. Here are some ideas:

Living Museums: Students can research historical figures and present their stories in a performance or exhibit format.
Art and Performance: Host a gallery walk of student-created artwork or plan a small performance showcasing the contributions of Black musicians or writers.
Mini Books and Posters: Students can create mini books or posters highlighting key historical events, figures, or movements.

The possibilities are endless, and these projects will make the month both educational and engaging!

4. BHM, But Make It STEAM 🧪

If your school is all about STEAM or STEM, Black History Month provides an exciting opportunity to integrate these disciplines with history and culture.

Art and Design: Study the works of influential Black artists and challenge students to create their own inspired pieces.
Science and Math: Highlight Black scientists, inventors, and mathematicians—think Katherine Johnson, George Washington Carver, or Mae Jemison—and explore their contributions.
Technology: Encourage students to research and present on the impact of modern Black innovators in technology.

This cross-curricular approach allows students to see the breadth of Black excellence and its impact on various fields.

Your Turn!

So, teacher besties, what are your plans for Black History Month? Whether you’re diving into one of these ideas or have something else in mind, remember that intentionality, creativity, and connection are key.

Looking for more tips and strategies to create a joyful and inclusive classroom? Be sure to check out my free resources and follow me on social media for more inspiration!

Make this Black History Month intentional, impactful, and unforgettable for your students. ✨