Use these engaging Black History Month resources for teachers, including lesson plans, books, and interactive tools to celebrate Black history year-round.
February is Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the significant contributions, history, and achievements of Black individuals and communities. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how Black history is deeply woven into the story of America.
To help educators plan meaningful lessons and activities, we’ve compiled a list of trusted resources to inspire learning and understanding.
Black History Month Resources for Teachers
Use these resources to find lessons that help incorporate Black History Month into the classroom.
Learning for Justice: Black History Month Resources
Learning for Justice (previously known as Teaching Tolerance) offers a robust collection of lesson plans, articles, and activities to help teachers explore Black history and its ongoing impact.
The Bus Boycott: Historical Documents Highlight Integration Milestone contains a collection of primary resources and corresponding activities that allow students in grades 3-12 to learn about the endurance of peaceful protesters in Montgomery, AL, who overturned an unjust law. Grades 6-9 will find value in the Before Rosa Parks series, which highlights African-American women who were active in the fight for civil rights before the 1950s.
Explore Learn for Justice’s resources here: Learning for Justice
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) offers an array of resources that bring Black history to life in classrooms. Their digital exhibits allow students to explore historical artifacts, photographs, and narratives that illustrate the resilience and ingenuity of Black Americans. For educators, the museum’s Talking About Race portal provides practical tools for facilitating meaningful conversations in classrooms.
The museum’s educational resources also include lesson plans tailored to specific topics such as the Civil Rights Movement, African American music, and the Harlem Renaissance in the Smithsonian Learning Lab. Interactive tools and virtual field trips allow students to experience history firsthand, while the museum’s emphasis on storytelling ensures these lessons resonate on a personal level. These resources empower educators to make Black history relevant and engaging for students of all ages.
Visit the NMAAHC website here: National Museum of African American History and Culture
PBS Learning Media: Black History Collection
PBS Learning Media’s Black History Collection offers a rich library of videos, lesson plans, and primary source materials that highlight the achievements and experiences of Black Americans. These resources provide students with a comprehensive view of Black history, and how Black Americans influenced literature and media, the arts, civics and society, and STEM. The multimedia content caters to visual and auditory learners, making it an excellent supplement to traditional teaching methods.
The collection also includes interactive activities that encourage students to connect historical events with current events. PBS’s emphasis on storytelling ensures that students see history not as static facts, but as a dynamic narrative with lessons that resonate today. By incorporating these tools, teachers can create engaging and thought-provoking lessons that inspire students to explore Black history and its relevance in the modern world.
Check out PBS Learning Media resources here: PBS Learning Media: Black History
Zinn Education Project: Teaching for Black Lives
The Zinn Education Project offers dynamic resources designed to empower students to think critically about social justice. Their “Teaching for Black Lives” collection includes role plays, readings, and discussion guides that explore the history and impact of movements advocating for Black lives. These materials challenge students to consider the ways in which history has been shaped by resistance, resilience, and activism.
With a focus on connecting past and present, the Zinn Education Project encourages educators to teach Black history in a way that resonates with contemporary issues. Their lessons address topics like criminal justice and mass incarceration, helping students draw parallels between historical injustices and ongoing struggles. These resources are particularly well-suited for high school classrooms, fostering critical thinking and civic engagement.
Website: Zinn Education Project
Books by Black Authors
Incorporating literature by Black authors is an essential way to celebrate Black voices and experiences in the classroom. Here are a few recommendations:
- Elementary: Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
- Middle School: Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
- High School: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Teach Black History All Year Long
While Black History Month is a dedicated time to celebrate Black contributions, history, and culture, it’s essential to incorporate these lessons throughout the school year. Black history is American history, and integrating diverse narratives across subjects helps students develop a more complete understanding of the past and present.
By using books by Black authors, discussing historical and contemporary Black leaders, and highlighting the impact of Black innovators year-round, educators ensure that Black history is not confined to just one month but remains a vital part of students’ learning every day. Let’s work together to make these lessons impactful and ongoing in the classroom.