Black History Month Activities for First Grade

by Ellie Kuykendall

Overview

Black History Month Activities for First Grade

Black History Month is a good time for teachers to introduce students to the ideas of prejudice and freedom. During this time, first-grade teachers can make an impact on students' future lives with the lessons they teach.
Reading

Read "A Picture Book of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." It is written in an easily understood style for children ages 4 to 9.

Talking

Tell the children that King could not play with his white friend. Ask them how they feel about that and whether they have ever had an experience in which they could not play with one of their friends. Have them show on a map where King was born.
Prejudice and Discrimination

Put the words "prejudice" and "discrimination" on the board. Ask the children if they play with different people who are handicapped or those who have different religions.
Civil Rights

Explain to the children that the reason Dr. King lived was to work for all people in the United States to have the same rights. Tell them about the segregation black people experienced such as in restaurants, schools, buses and at drinking fountains. Ask them if they feel that different groups of people are better than other groups. For example, you could ask if rich people are better than poor people or are doctors better than people who clean houses.
King's Dream

Tell the children that King had a dream about peace and friendship for everyone. Ask them about their dreams for a better world, their families and their school.