Four Black History Month Activities You Can Do with Your Child

African-Americans have made significant contributions to the world. From inventors to Supreme Court Justices to poets and even president, we have enriched the fabric of a society where we were once enslaved.

Black History Month shouldn’t just be 28 days where we celebrate our African-American heroes and then forget about their importance for the rest of the year. This should be a time when we begin cultural traditions with our families to honor our glorious history and celebrate our vibrant future.

Below are four Black History Month activities you can do with your child to explore our dynamic legacy.

1) Share the works of Black poets. Poets have a huge job, whether it’s recording the struggles of our past or calling out the injustices many Black people face today. Poets.org has a wonderful collection of poems on the Black experience that you can read aloud with your child. Discover new works from Kamilah Aisha Moon or revisit beloved poems from Langston Hughes and Nikki Giovanni.

2) Learn about Black educators. Although teachers don’t always get the credit, they are essential workers. Black History Month is an excellent time to learn about the important role educators have played throughout history and how they shape future generations. ParentsTogether has an informative article about Black leaders in education that you can discuss with your child so he or she can develop a deeper appreciation for the work of teachers.

3) Explore Black history through children’s books. Reading aloud can be an incredible bonding experience that promotes literacy. You and your child can learn amazing facts about important African-American figures from a kid’s perspective. Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children recommends nine children’s books to celebrate Black History Month. From Henry’s Freedom Box to Before She Was Harriet, these books will dazzle young readers.

4) Take your child to the library. February 6 is the Annual Take Your Child to the Library Day! This is a great time to build upon your preschooler’s love of reading and learning. Visit your library to see what exciting activities they have planned. Pick up a book – or two – and go on a wonderful journey through Black history with your child.