Student Activities for Black History K-5
Classroom Exercise for Grades K-5
Teach students about an important African American in U.S. history and how they impacted later civil rights movements through stories, videos, and other lessons. Have students create a storyboard that shows why this person is significant. See the example below.
Older students in this range can also independently research or read books about the Atlantic Slave Trade, Underground Railroad, or the civil rights movements. After students create their own storyboards about a particular person or about an important event in Black History, let them share their work and have a rich class discussion.
Additional Black History Month Activity Ideas for K-5
- Create biography posters of a figure that students research. See more biography activities.
- Teach students the song “This Little Light of Mine”, a civil rights movement song.
- Read and discuss “Follow the Drinking Gourd”. Have students create their own storyboard for the song/book.
- Have students choose a famous African American person from history and write a bio-poem about them and illustrate it using Storyboard That.
- Have students write a thank you letter to one of the people researched in storyboard form. Students can focus on telling them how they feel about their struggle.
- Have students storyboard a public service announcement or propaganda regarding the abolition of slavery.
Related Storyboard That Resources
- Slavery in America
- Civil Rights Movement
- Voting Rights
- Bud, Not Buddy
- Maniac Magee
- The Story of Ruby Bridges
- Flight to Freedom
- We Are the Ship
- "I Have a Dream"
- Glory Be
- Brown Girl Dreaming
- From the Desk of Zoe Washington
- Calico Girl
How Tos about Black History Resources K-5
Engage students with interactive timelines for Black History Month
Creating interactive timelines helps students visualize key events and connect important figures in Black history. This method makes history come alive and builds chronological thinking skills.
Select major events and figures together as a class
Brainstorm significant moments and leaders with your students. Encourage group input to promote engagement and ownership of the activity.
Assign students to research and illustrate timeline points
Have students choose a specific event or person from the timeline list. They should research key details and create a storyboard panel or illustration for their assigned topic.
Build the class timeline collaboratively on a bulletin board or digitally
Combine all student contributions to form a visual timeline on your classroom wall or using a digital platform. Highlight how each event and figure connects to the ongoing story of Black history.
Facilitate reflective discussions using the completed timeline
Guide students to analyze patterns, causes, and effects shown in the timeline. Encourage questions and personal reflections on how history shapes the present.
Frequently Asked Questions about Black History Resources K-5
What are some easy Black History Month activities for elementary classrooms?
Easy Black History Month activities for elementary classrooms include creating biography posters, teaching civil rights songs like “This Little Light of Mine”, making storyboards about important figures, writing bio-poems, and thank you letters to historical African Americans. These activities are engaging and help students learn about key individuals and events through creative projects.
How can I teach young students about the significance of African American leaders?
To teach young students about African American leaders, use stories, videos, and lessons that highlight their achievements and impact on civil rights. Encourage students to create storyboards showing why these leaders are important, and facilitate class discussions to deepen understanding.
What is a biography poster and how do I use it for Black History Month?
A biography poster is a visual display that shares information about a person’s life and achievements. For Black History Month, students can research a famous African American and design a poster with images, key facts, and memorable contributions, fostering research and presentation skills.
Where can I find lesson plans about the Atlantic Slave Trade and civil rights movements?
You can find lesson plans about the Atlantic Slave Trade and civil rights movements on educational sites like Storyboard That. These resources offer age-appropriate materials, activities, and storyboards for grades K-5, supporting teachers in delivering impactful history lessons.
How do storyboards help students understand Black History Month topics?
Storyboards help students understand Black History Month topics by allowing them to visually organize and present important events, figures, or concepts. This creative process encourages deeper engagement, critical thinking, and personal connection to historical themes.
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