Black History Month is an annual
celebration of history, culture and the civil rights movement of the African
diaspora. The United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Netherlands are the
countries that officially honour Black History Month in their classrooms.
However, as multi-culturalism, civil rights of minorities, oppression and
racism are essential topics anywhere on the globe, Black History
Month be used by teachers worldwide to point out these important topics.
Here are five ways to honour the Black
History Month in your classroom.
Idea #1: Listen to and explore music created by black history idols
Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Hip-Hop -
these are all the musical trademarks of African culture. Instead of following
the historical timeline, start your musical exploration with what is the most
familiar to your students, and that is probably going to be Hip-Hop. There is a
numerous list of rap songs dealing with black history and rights, from old-school to current hits of stars like
Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar.
If you're working with younger
students, it's probably too early to expose them to the world of
hip-hop, but you can still use it to introduce the children to the fun practice
of breakdance.
Idea #2: Get to know Martin Luther King
Marthin Luther King was perhaps the
most important figure of the original civil rights movement. His famous
inspiring speech "I Have a Dream" is a perfect subject to be studied
in class, since it is so poetic and vivid. Talk to your students about their
own dreams for this world, and how they would like to change it.
Idea #3: Get to know Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks was a woman who one day
quit obeying the rule that black people had to sit at the back of the bus. With
this simple act, she ignited a revolution. Her example is the perfect opportunity
to discuss the separation policies. Create a thought experiment: how would the
students with, for example, blonde hair feel if they were made to sit at the
back of the classroom? You can also watch a very quality TV film called "The Rosa Parks
Story".
Idea #4: Watch Black History Month inspired movies
There are many
movies which are suitable to watch during Black History Month. Different films are appropriate for different age
groups, and because of the often violent nature of the struggle for rights and
freedom, most of them are intended for the ages of 13 and up. There are
exceptions such as the Scholastic Storybook DVD "March On! The Day My
Brother Martin Changed the World", (4+), "A Ballerina's Tale"
(9+), and "Remember the Titans" (10+).
Idea #5: Make Traditional Biscuits
To add some sweetness to often-bitter
topics of the Black History Month, bake a traditional sweet treat such as sweet potato biscuits.
While munching away, have a light talk about the civil rights struggles within
the local communities of your area.
