*This post contains amazon affiliate links to make a commission. To know more please visit our policy*
With Black History month beginning next month, there is nothing wrong with starting young. My goal is to provide the resources to make your lesson planning easier. While there isn’t a lot aimed as this age, there are some things you can do.
To begin with, I would like to share some articles you can check out:
35 Books to Teach Kids About Racism and Diversity – Saving Talents
“Help your children understand current events like race and diversity with this list of 35 books about racism and diversity. These books on racism and diversity for kids were all recommended by people of color as accurate and useful ways to raise children without prejudice or bias based on skin color.” – Tiffany
UNIT STUDY: Africa – Imaginative Homeschool
“Africa is an area of the world that too often gets shortchanged in our study of history, so I’ve sought out resources to learn more about the many cultures and and people’s on this vast continent. The following is a collection of fun activities, videos, and books for learning about Africa. Some of these are things I’ve already shared related to our regular history lessons, but I’m collecting them here for those wanting to do a separate Unit Study of Africa.” – Gale
Secondly, as I usually do, I will be dividing this article into three section. Those sections are activities, books and videos to use in your lesson planning. You can check out more of our preschool planning and themes in the links.
Black History Month Activities for Preschoolers
55 Black History Month Activities by Homeschool Super Freak
“Black history month activities for kids with Black history facts, Black history figures and heroes, Black History Month science activities, cross-curricular lesson plans and resources, printables and more to honor the history and culture of African Americans. Also good for racial justice / anti racism lesson resources and diversity studies teaching tools throughout the year and for Black history lessons for kindergarten through high school!” – Homeschool Super Freak
Our Favorite Preschool Crafts for Black History Month by Wood Crest Preschool
“Creativity in the classroom is essential to your child’s development. Our students love each opportunity they have to create and learn about history’s greatest artists as well as the important figures that have shaped their world. That’s why we are sharing our favorite classroom crafts for Black History Month so that we can all celebrate this time together” – Woo Crest Preschool
Black History Month Books for Preschoolers
The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy.
It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love.
In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc.
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? by Patrice McLaurin
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? is a journey into the often forgotten contributions of African-American inventors, that contributed to the American landscape. It chronicles the school day of a little boy, highlighting different inventions that he uses throughout the day, all of which were invented by African-Americans. The book comes complete with brief biographies about each inventor as well as fun activities to promote and encourage reading comprehension. “Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?” was selected by Microsoft as a book that inspires STEM and also received a 5 Star Rating from Reader’s Favorite!
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
An important book for readers of all ages, this beautifully illustrated and engagingly written volume brings to life true stories of black men in history. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop stars, athletes and activists. The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, filmmaker Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, lawman Bass Reeves, civil rights leader John Lewis, dancer Alvin Ailey, and musician Prince.
The legends in Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black Historyspan centuries and continents, but each one has blazed a trail for generations to come.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.
Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.
The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.
Among these women, you’ll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.
The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.
Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke
For the youngest member of an exuberant extended family, Sunday dinner at Grannie’s can be full indeed — full of hugs and kisses, full of tasty dishes, full to the brim with happy faces, and full, full, full of love. With a special focus on the bond between little Jay Jay and his grannie, Trish Cooke introduces us to a gregarious family we are sure to want more, more, more of.
Skin Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry
From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry.
Hair Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry
Hair Like Mine is the first book in the Kids Like Mine Series. It is a fun and easy read following a little girl who doesn’t like that her naturally curly hair looks different from the other kids around her. On her quest to find someone with hair like hers, she soon realizes we are all unique and special in our own way.
Imagination Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry
From the creators of Hair Like Mine and Skin Like Mine… Imagination Like Mine, book three in the Kids Like Mine Series, will take children on an exciting journey page after page! Sure to capture young readers attention through rhyming and repetition while also encouraging Self Expression and building Confidence.
Baby Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry
Baby Like Mine follows a little girl who’s having a difficult time adjusting to her new role as a Big Sister. This heartwarming story is the perfect way to aid both girls and boys in understanding their feelings while life for them is changing in a major way. With the arrival of a new baby, they sometimes need reminding that moms and dads have a heart big enough to love all of their children.
Brown girl Brown boy What Could You Be? by Dr. Temika Edwards
How old were you the first time someone asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” A few lucky people understood their careers early on. Many of us, however, fell into a career by accident. It may have made us a living, but did it fulfill us or give us the life we desired. The jobs we stumbled on may have been due to the lack of understanding of all the opportunities that existed or access to those careers. Furthermore, we may have heard about the professions but did not know much about it to make a better choice.
There must be a better method than trial and error that harmonizes passion and the life they want when they grow up. What you set your mind to is powerful!
If you are a parent, grandparent, loving aunt or uncle, or family friend of a children, it is not too early to introduce them to various professions – especially those professions that are minimally occupied by diverse populations. Sometimes children want to be what they observe. Why not have them observe many different professions, learn more about them, and visualize themselves in those professions – so that they are better equipped to identify where their interest lies. If you are the parent, grandparent, or loving aunt or uncle of a child, what better gift than to give the aspiring leaders in your life the information to open their minds to vast opportunities and the impact that they have on the world.
We All Belong: A Children’s Book About Diversity, Race and Empathy by Nathalie Goss
We all Belong’ is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s picture book that recognises and celebrates the diversity in a caring group of children.
- A wonderfully flowing, rhyming poem about respect… whatever our culture, whatever the colour of our skin.
- If you like ‘All the ways to be smart’, you will treasure this.
- A stunning poem about inclusion, with excellent representation of different cultures. Much-needed in today’s society.
By recognising differences between cultures and races, and appreciating that everyone is beautiful, children can grow up with empathy – appreciating others around them. ‘We all Belong’ gives young readers a safe space to see themselves and others through a diverse group of characters. The book includes an activity at the end, to help children appreciate how we are all similar in some ways and different in other ways too.
Black History Picture Book for Kids: 18 Inspiring Black Heroes to Read and Learn About by Jasmin Riviera
Specially crafted to teach children aged 3-6 about the incredible achievements of black people throughout history, this delightful picture book introduces them to black history in a fun and engaging way.
With dozens of famous figures from across the world, this book helps parents and educators spark important conversations and help kids explore the world around them while cultivating an important message of diversity and tolerance.
Book details:
- Makes a Fun Read For Boys and Girls Aged 3-6
- Features Colorful Illustrations Which Will Capture Kids’ Attention
- Helps Parents and Educators Teach Kids About The Achievements of Black People In History
- Contains Short Summaries of Each Important Figure For Easy Learning
- A Brilliant Gift For Your Child During Black History Month
- And Much More!
So if you want to start valuable conversations, broaden your child’s knowledge, and introduce them to the achievements of famous black people in history, then the Black History Picture Book For Kids is a must-read. This lovely and colorful book is ideal for any parent, educator, or teacher who wants to raise kids with tolerance and acceptance in mind.
I Choose to Try Again: A Colorful, Rhyming Picture Book About Perseverance and Diligence by Elizabeth Estrada
Do you want your child to learn about perseverance and diligence? Your child will learn how easy it is to get back up after failing.
”I Choose to Try Again” is a story with social emotional learning (SEL) in mind. It has been praised by teachers and therapists worldwide.
This story told from Kiara’s point of view will help open your child’s mind to what it feels like to fail, and then try again. Kiara will teach your child how to be mentally strong.
With Kiara in real life examples, your child will learn to develop their understanding of their own emotions. Throughout the story, Kiara will show you what perseverance looks like.
Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose is an empowering series curated to empower young children to become aware of big emotions.
A new book series developed in tandem with teachers and therapists to help children cope with a range of emotions and teach them that they indeed hold the power to choose their actions and reactions.
Try not to say ‘never.’.
That brainwashes you to fail.
It means that you won’t have the chance
To raise the victory sail.
”I Choose to Try Again” was developed alongside counselors and parents to be used as a resource in a social emotional curriculum.
This book is aimed at children between 3-7.
A positive and uplifting book for young children.
You can be anything that you set your mind on.
This lovely book showcases an array of different careers in an easy to understand way. Ideal for young children.
It is also very important for non-black children to read books with BIPOC characters. Differences should be celebrated from a young age.
Representation matters.
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation.
This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.
Plus don’t miss I Believe I Can—the next beautiful picture celebrating self-esteem from Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo!
I Can Be by Shameera Car
An empowering book that celebrates a child’s ability to be anything they aspire to be. Each page references a well-known Black figure and is paired with the positive affirmation of “I can be”. An amazing tool for parents to foster confidence and self-esteem and for educators in teaching black history to early learners. This book motivates children to be their very best selves!
“I can fly like Bessie Coleman, as the pilot of my dreams, There is nothing here to stop me, as long as I believe.”
This sounds like a good lesson plan. I don’t think I had access to that many books on the subject back when I was a lot younger.
Yea tons of new books especially by Black Authors
Sure thing. It’s something that needs to be taught. I even heard that they made picture books about Black Wall Street and Arturo Schomberg to name a few.