February is a great time to incorporate the importance of Black History into your homeschool. During February I invite you to stuff your morning baskets to inspire learning, foster discussions about justice and equality, and celebrate influential black figures through inspiring stories, art, and activities.
In 1926 the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History created “Negro History Week” during the second week of February as a way to recognize African Americans and their accomplishments. In 1976 President Gerald Ford extended “Negro History Week” to include the full month of February because he recognized that the achievements of black Americans were not being honored throughout history.
I encourage you to dive into the stories of these remarkable men and women, they will build empathy and understanding. You will be surprised at how introducing Black History will instill a sense of justice in your children for many years. Below I will share some books and resources about Black leaders, artists, scientists, and activists throughout history.
Books:
Picture books
Picture books are a wonderful way to introduce complex subjects to children. Many authors craft their stories with passion and purpose, delivering powerful messages in an engaging and age-appropriate way that inspires young readers.
- Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine: Share the emotional journey of Henry “Box” Brown and his escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
- The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson: Explore themes of hope, friendship, and breaking down barriers.
- Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter: you can explain the historical significance of this song and how it guided enslaved people to freedom.
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly: Introduce young readers to Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden.
Chapter Books
- Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Dorothy Sterling: Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible – certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn’t forget her people. Again and again, she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor: Why is the land so important to Cassie’s family? It takes the events of one turbulent year—the year of the night riders and the burnings, the year a white girl humiliates Cassie in public simply because she is black—to show Cassie that having a place of their own is the Logan family’s lifeblood. It is the land that gives the Logans their courage and pride, for no matter how others may degrade them, the Logans possess something no one can take away.
Poetry Book:
- The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes: I would encourage you to highlight the lyrical beauty and themes of hope and perseverance in Hughes’ work. You can incorporate daily poem readings and encourage your children to memorize a favorite poem to recite.
Devotion:
For devotionals, I am focusing on scriptures that align with the themes of courage, freedom, and justice. Example verses:
- Micah 6:8 (“Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”)
- Galatians 5:1 (“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”)
- Psalm 82:3-4 (“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”)
30 Days Be Courageous Devotional Journal : For a powerful addition to your Black History Month morning basket, consider this 30-day journal that encourages bold faith and resilience. Through daily biblical narratives and self-reflection prompts, it helps develop the courage to overcome fear and trust in God’s plan. This journal is a meaningful way to explore themes of courage, freedom, and justice while reflecting on how to live a life inspired by Christ’s example.
Memory Work:
Encouraging children to memorize quotes and poems helps enhance language skills, foster critical thinking, express emotions, develop empathy, draw inspiration, and connect with remarkable role models.
I let my children choose a quote that resonates with them from a person of history that they feel inspired by and connected to. This set of 22 inspirational voices pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of black icons throughout history. Some easy ways I support my children in memory work is by having them copy the item they are memorizing in a journal, doing line reading together, fill in the blank worksheets, and having them keep a small journal like this to record the memory work that they can easily reference throughout the day as they wish. Art Study:
Integrating art appreciation into your homeschool opens the door to exploring diverse cultures and understanding art as a powerful form of expression. It encourages children to view the world from new perspectives and may even inspire them to express themselves in unique and creative ways.
We are going to focus on Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series and introduce our children to the vibrant, narrative-driven style of Lawrence’s art. We will select one or two panels to discuss in detail, covering themes of resilience and community.
I plan on including a hands-on activity, Having them create their own story through art using bold colors and shapes. I have a list of the supplies I plan to have on hand for this hands-on activity here.
Hands-On Learning and Activities:
Incorporating hands-on activities into a morning basket offers numerous benefits for children’s learning and development. These activities enhance engagement, strengthen fine motor skills, create meaningful connections to the lessons, and provide a wonderful opportunity for bonding.
One option could be to create a “freedom quilt”. Using a DIY tie knot quilt to discuss the role of quilts in guiding the Underground Railroad. Another fun element could be to use fabric markers to decorate each square before adding it to your quilt.
You could build a simple constellation craft while learning about the “Drinking Gourd” and its significance.
Consider creating a timeline to map key events and figures in Black history, connecting them to the stories read during the month.
I hope this morning basket inspiration encourages you to spark meaningful conversations and foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of Black history. Remember, a morning basket is meant to be flexible and adaptable to your family’s unique needs—take what resonates with you and leave the rest. If you found this helpful, share your thoughts or favorite ideas in the comments, and don’t forget to join the facebook group for more homeschooling tips and resources!
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