4 Fun Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate black historical achievements and culture in the U.S. Since its establishment from a week to a month in 1976, Black History Month has been celebrated with special events, such as festivals, concerts and parades, public literature readings, and museum tours.
 

Here are a few ways teachers can celebrate Black History Month with students:
 

1. Reflective Writing
   Assign or allow your students to choose a black historical figure who has contributed to the fabric of society. Writing can be in any of the opinion/argument, narrative, or information styles. Our Writing Journals and paper provide students with additional space to practice writing and include developmentally appropriate lines designed to strengthen handwriting skills.
    
2. Artwork
   Students can learn more about black history while simultaneously expressing creativity with drawings and artwork. Creating drawings can help students gain a better understanding of different subjects while develop strong fine motor skills, such as grip, needed to support good handwriting.
    
3. Classroom Discussions
   Moderate insightful discussions about culture and historical events related to black history. With this activity, students can practice their social-emotional and communication skills by taking turns listening to one another and gathering and clearly verbalizing their ideas. To learn more about building confident communicators in your classroom, you can watch our Build Confident Communicators in the Classroom webinar.
    
4. Music and Movement
   Music and dance have been used as a form of cultural expression around the world for years. Besides being fun, it teaches students about the ideas, beliefs, and experiences of different cultures. You and your students can research and practice historical African and African-American songs and dances. 

Have any other ideas? Feel free to share them with us on one of our social channels. Learning Without Tears would like to wish you and your students a happy and educational Black History Month!