February is Black History Month—a time to acknowledge, celebrate, and pay tribute to the many great achievements of Black men and women in our country. It's important for all children—no matter their race—to learn about the ways Black people have positively impacted and shaped our communities so that they have a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity and racial equity.
We've put together a list of various ways you can celebrate Black History Month with your young children.
Read
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Carter Reads the Newspaper is the first picture book biography of Carter G. Woodson, the "father of Black History Month. Every day, Carter, the son of two former sons, read the newspaper to his dad, who couldn't read. This act sparked his journey into learning more about his ancestors' past and sharing their history with others around the world. Available on Amazon.
The Snowy Day
This classic children's book illustrates a young boy named Peter exploring his town after a big snowfall. The Snowy Day was the first picture book with an African-American protagonist to receive a major literary award. Available at Muncie Public Library.
Human Computer
Written by Mary Jackson, the first African-American female engineer to work at NASA, Human Computer explores challenges of segregation and sexism that Jackson faced in her career. Her story is also featured in the movie Hidden Figures (rated PG), available on Disney+. Read along with Muncie Public Library's virtual story time:
For more books celebrating Black History Month, check out Muncie Public Library's virtual preschool room.
Watch
Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Netflix)
In this series, watch live-action portrayals of children's books. The book are read by Black celebrities, written by Black authors, and celebrate Black culture. Watch now on Netflix, or visit netflixbookmarks.com for additional book recommendations (categorized into age groups 0-4, 4-8, and 8-12) and resources.
Ruby Bridges (Disney+)
This biographical drama (rated TV-PG) tells the story of Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old girl who was chosen to be the first student to integrate her school in New Orleans. Ruby's story—her struggles, her bravery, and her love and support from her parents—is an incredible lesson for us all. Watch now on Disney+.
A Wrinkle in Time (Disney+)
Based on the children's chapter book of the same name, this 2018 movie (rated PG) is a fantastical adventure tale of a science-loving girl on a quest through dimensions of space to find her missing father. The movie's lead role is played by a young Black female, which director Ava DuVernay said "fills in an absence that has been in these films for so long: girls at the center, girls of color at the center." Watch now on Disney+, or check it out from Muncie Public Library.
Do
Diversity with Eggs
One simple way to teach your young child about diversity is with eggs. Show your child a pair of eggs: one with a white shell and one with a brown shell. Discuss the eggs with your child to ensure they understand the eggs appear to be two different colors. Then, crack open each egg and discuss what you see now—both eggs appear the same on the inside. Use this opportunity to explain that humans, like eggs, all have different "shells." We might all look different on the outside, but on the inside, we are the same.
You can take this lesson a step further and use the eggs to create an African dish, like shakshuka. Use this as an opportunity to teach your child to celebrate different cultures.
"I Have a Dream" Lesson and Craft
Learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, then encourage your child to dream big too! First, watch Muncie Public Library's virtual story time of Martin's Big Words (below) with your child. Then, cut out paper in the shape of clouds and have your child write (or dictate to you) their own dreams for the world. How can they positively impact society? Where can they make a difference? Glue cotton balls to the edges of the clouds for a fluffy effect, then display the dream clouds somewhere your child will see them often, like on the bathroom mirror or on the ceiling above their bed.