If you’re looking for children’s activities for Black History Month, you’ve come to the right place.
This month honors the cultures and contributions of Black individuals. It provides a great opportunity to teach children about the history of the month and try out new activities to build appreciation and allyship for others.
Black culture has shaped many elements of modern-day society, including the food we eat, books we read, the music we listen to, our hairstyles and the clothes we wear.
Dedicating the time each year to create Black History Month activities that focus on some of these contributions, is a great way to encourage those who want to learn more. There are also some great books that celebrate Black History Month, but you may prefer to do an activity with your child.
Sometimes, it can be tricky trying to explain to a child the history of black culture. So, here we have shared 9 children’s activities for Black History Month by age group that you can experience with your children to continue the conversation. It is also a good way for parents to communicate, bond and interact with their little one.
Black History Month activities for toddlers
1). Support your local community
Quite a few places across the UK offer Black History Month activities for toddlers. A good place to check is your local children’s museum, after school club, public library, and community centers for a list of free or affordable events. Remember, what you say is just as important as what you do - and getting involved is a great start, by supporting and engaging in Black-led events, which help create unity.
2. Watch Motown Magic on Netflix and do a sing-along
Motown Magic is a Netflix TV show that focuses on Ben, an 8-year-old boy who uses a paintbrush to bring the streets of Motown to life. Filled with creativity, fantastic animation, imagination, and remarkable historically-accurate music, your kids will be singing along in no time (and so will you!).
3. Listen to “Sweet Honey in the Rock” together
Sweet Honey In The Rock is a performance ensemble rooted in African American history and culture. The band help to educate, entertain, and empower their audience and community through the dynamic vehicles of a sweet acappella: singing and American Sign Language interpretation for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
4. Try different soul foods together
Who doesn't love trying different foods? Explore 3 classic recipes to try for Black History Monthand pick one or two to enjoy with your little one. This can be done with tomato purees or solids (and with less spice!) depending on your child's age and whether they have any food intolerances, there are variations so you can still enjoy these dishes. Trying different foods, cooking with different spices, and sharing language teaches your child that Black culture is expansive.
5. Celebrate historical Black figures
Pop some powerful quotes into a jar to celebrate historical Black figures. Jot down their names on strips of paper with strong, or moving quotes from famous figures. Each day, you and your little one can choose a quote from the jar and talk about it. Remember this is a celebration, so get creative and decorate the jar. Here are a few quotes you can use to get your jar started:
• “Whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free… your true self comes out.” —Tina Turner
• “The time is always right to do what is right.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• “If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” -Maya Angelou
• “No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you are beautiful.” – Michelle Obama
• “A man without knowledge of himself and his heritage is like a tree without roots.” —Dick Gregory
Black History Month acitivities for preschooler's
1). Plant seeds and watch them grow
Progress can sometimes take a long time, where the work of people today impacts people generations from now. Planting seeds, and watching them grow and change can be a lovely way to show this process symbolically. Plant a seed today, and in a few weeks, you’ll have a flower, or in thirty years, you’ll have a 50-foot tall tree. To make this idea come alive, watch “How Things Grow on Tab Time” by Tabitha Brown, and teach your little ones patience and determination.
2. Learn to Hula Hoop
Is your little one a dancer? why not try hula hooping? Watch the Black Hula Hoopers unite group and try it out for yourself! Hooping is one of the ways people can heal and strengthen themselves in a world where they have constantly had to navigate around and through race with all of its complexities.
3. Listen to a Black History Month playlist
This Black History Month playlist includes tracks from Gracie's Corner and Black History Tribute "Black Gold", which highlights just a few of the many amazing Black figures in history.
4. Write a blues song
Black history isn’t complete without the blues, one of the most influential genres of music, created by Black Americans at the turn of the 20th century. During black history, people would sing songs of their despair and suffering to make the time pass more quickly. Music captured the everyday moments.
5. Bake Buttermilk biscuits
Yum! Buttermilk biscuits originated in Southern Appalachia in the late 1800s. They are a big part of Southern Black culture. Learn how to make your own buttermilk biscuits with your children.
What is Black History Month?
October marks Black History Month in the UK, with this year focusing on the invaluable role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.