Happy Black History Month! We value diversity and inclusivity at Yellow Brick Road. Like the ABCs and 123s, social behaviors like empathy and noticing and celebrating differences need to be taught in the early childhood classroom. This is important because children of all ages notice physical differences like skin color, hair textures, and different abilities.
There are many ways to remember and celebrate Black History. For infants and toddlers, this can mean offering books with diverse characters, representing diversity through dolls, toys, and other classroom materials, and playing music from various musicians.
Here are 6 ways you can celebrate Black history at home and in the classroom! The best part is, these can be implemented every single day!
1. Read books about Black history and culture. Many books can be found at your local library, online, or in stores like Target and Walmart. Some examples of books celebrating Black culture are;
- We’re different, We’re the same by Sesame Street Series
- My Hair, My Crown by Mudpuppy (Author), Tonya Abari (Author), Tabitha Brown (Illustrator)
- The ABCs of Black Culture by Rio Cortez
- Young, Gifted, and Black by by Jamia Wilson (Author), Andrea Pippins (Illustrator)
- Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe (Author)
2. Listen to children music by Black musicians. You can find these songs on your music streaming platform of choice and YouTube! Some examples of songs by Black musicians are;
- Many Hands by Ziggy Marley narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis
- No Such Thing as Good or Bad Hair by Uncle Devin
- The World is Big by Ella Jenkins
- Three Little Birds by Bob Marley and The Wailers
- Ready by Jazzy Ash
3. Introduce children to George Washington Carver, a pioneer in agricultural science. Carver is known for his work with peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes. You can read books about him or print out worksheets that go over his influence in Agriculture.
4. Learn about space and Black history. Children who enjoy learning about space will enjoy learning about Mae Jemison, the first Black Women to become an astronaut, and Neil Degrasse Tyson, a Black astronomer, who popularized science books. Check out the book Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed and talk with children about what might be needed for a trip to space
5. Make flash cards or a PowerPoint about historical Black figures and go over how they shaped the world. You can include people like Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Bessie Coleman, and many more! Ms. Alexis in Nebraska is highlighting a historical Black figure every week to her class.
6. Include artwork and illustrations representing people of different skin colors and cultures. Check out these beautiful illustrations and wall art created by teachers Ms. Ann, Ms. Chaniya, and Ms. Aziyah in Minnesota. And Ms. Rachel in Iowa. What a great way to celebrate black history!
These are easy and effective ways to introduce Black History to infants and toddlers. Yellow Brick Road’s goal is to shape children to contribute to society in an important and positive way. That starts by appreciating and accepting what makes us different and the same.
#HappyBlackHistoryMonth #BHM2023 #BlackHistoryMatters #BlackHistoryinPreschool #yellowbrickroad
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Sources
We’re Different, We’re the Same (Sesame Street Series) by Bobbi Kates, Joe Mathieu, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
(barnesandnoble.com) https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mae-jemison
George Washington Carver: Facts, Inventions & Quotes – HISTORY – HISTORY
We’re Different, We’re the Same (Sesame Street Series) by Bobbi Kates, Joe Mathieu, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)