Student Activities for Black History 6-8
Classroom Exercise for Grades 6-8
Students can read about or research the issues that led up to the civil rights movement and discuss ideas like equality, racism, segregation, and intolerance. A discussion of this sort is also a good segue into talking/learning about different groups that have been discriminated against in the past or present: Jews, Native Americans, Romani, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with cognitive or physical disabilities, Muslims, Latinos, women, the elderly, etc.
Example Questions for Discussion:
- What does it mean to be truly equal?
- Why is having equality important?
- What are "stereotypes" and how do they relate to equality?
- What are some of the reasons someone is considered a second-class citizen or inferior? Are they ever valid?
After having a discussion about equality or other topics, have students create a storyboard that combines elements of the conversation. This might be a linear narrative, a spider map about a central theme, or a comparison T-Chart.
Additional Black History Month Activities for 6-8
- Create biography posters of a figure that students research.
- Read a Langston Hughes Poem and complete a TPCASTT (Title Paraphrase Connotation Attitude Shifts Title Theme) analysis using Storyboard That.
- Discuss Black artists like Jacob Lawrence or Faith Ringgold; have students choose one of their images and create a storyboard explaining its artistic or cultural significance.
- Have students research famous Black history firsts, "First Black Man/Woman in History to…", and create a storyboard biography on one or more.
- Have students create a poster explaining an invention created by a Black person.
Related Storyboard That Resources
History
- Atlantic Slave Trade
- The Missouri Compromise of 1820
- 1850s America
- The American Civil War
- Presidency of Abraham Lincoln
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Reconstruction Era
- Civil Rights Movement
- Voting Rights
Literature
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
- Chains
- Ghost
- A Long Walk to Water
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
- "Mother to Son"
- Midnight Without a Moon
- Crossover
- One Crazy Summer
- Elijah of Buxton
How Tos about Black History Resources 6-8
Integrate Storyboarding into Daily Black History Month Lessons for Lasting Impact
Incorporate storyboarding as a regular activity during Black History Month lessons. Frequent practice helps students reflect on what they've learned, make connections, and express ideas creatively, reinforcing key concepts and supporting deeper understanding.
Select a Relevant Topic or Figure Aligned with Your Lesson
Choose a person, event, or theme that fits your current Black History Month lesson. This ensures storyboards are meaningful and connected to classroom discussions, which boosts student engagement.
Provide Clear Storyboard Templates to Guide Student Creativity
Offer students linear narrative, spider map, or comparison T-Chart templates. Templates give structure while allowing for creative freedom, helping students organize thoughts and focus on essential details.
Encourage Peer Sharing and Constructive Feedback
Facilitate group or partner sharing of completed storyboards. Peer feedback helps students gain new perspectives and teaches respectful critique, which builds classroom community.
Display and Celebrate Student Work to Foster Inclusion
Showcase finished storyboards on classroom walls or digitally. Celebrating student efforts highlights diverse voices and experiences, making everyone feel valued and seen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Black History Resources 6-8
What are some easy Black History Month activities for middle school classrooms?
Easy Black History Month activities for grades 6-8 include creating biography posters of influential figures, analyzing Langston Hughes poems, researching Black history firsts, making storyboards about equality, and exploring artistic works by Black artists. These hands-on projects help students learn and reflect on key themes.
How can teachers discuss equality and racism with grades 6-8 students?
Teachers can start by having students read and research issues related to equality, racism, segregation, and intolerance. Facilitate classroom discussions using open-ended questions, then encourage students to express their understanding by creating storyboards or posters that reflect these topics.
What is a storyboard activity for teaching civil rights in middle school?
A storyboard activity involves students visually mapping out narratives or concepts related to civil rights, such as equality or discrimination. They can create linear stories, spider maps, or comparison charts that synthesize classroom discussions and research about the movement and its impact.
Which historical figures are good for biography posters during Black History Month?
Great choices for biography posters include leaders like Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and artists such as Jacob Lawrence or Faith Ringgold. Students can research these figures' contributions and create visual displays to highlight their significance.
Where can I find lesson plans or resources for teaching Black History Month?
You can find lesson plans and resources on educational sites like Storyboard That, including activities on the Civil Rights Movement, voting rights, literature guides, and more. Check the 'View More Activities' button or the linked resources in the article for additional ideas.
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