Black History Month in Education: A Lesson for Educators and Students Alike

Black History month is February as most realize and schools teach many units on this subject. Though most textbooks try, the coverage of Black History in our country is not as it should be and our students are sorely lacking when using just the resources. After studying the basics of Black history which are sketchy at best, most educators agree that students are in need of more information, activities and even interactive experiences in order to better learn and appreciate black history within our culture.

Below is a list of sites I have used in the classroom with great success. They are excellent ways to supplement the information our children receive in the classroom and if truth be known, to educate ourselves as well to the contributions made to society. Students appreciate the varied information the following sites can offer them, fellow educators appreciate the age ranges offered and as for myself, I appreciate the fact that all information is at my fingertips, ready for use and appreciation within the classroom.

Though preschool rainbow is a preschool age site, the information and activities here can be adapted easily for kids of nearly any age. this site is very beneficial for Kindergarten and lst grade age students.

This link is a fantastic area with interactive sites. The information here covers "black resistance", The Tuskegee Airmen. Jackie Robinson. The Black Panther Party, Black or White?, The Million Man March, The Scottsboro Boys, and a section called "this is our war", a compilation of articles written during WWII. All in all, this is one of the most interesting sites I have found and a great way to introduce Black History to students. Upper level grades appreciate the no nonsense, easy to understand information on The black resistance and Jackie Robinson while Talented and Gifted students appreciate the extra information this site offers their eager to learn minds.

Another site is fun.familyeducation is one which is full of information, lesson plans and ideas for further study is below. Not only does it have information but also a section entitled" Black History Month Messages" in which you will find articles entitled "Kids and Diversity, Bringing up Open-minded Kids and Talking about Racism. All of these articles are great for families and classrooms alike and if for no other reason, these articles are great ways to introduce Black History Month to your students. This site is a fantastic one to add character education lessons to the classroom as well. It hits all the bases in character education and is easily implemented within the classroom.

The following page by kathimitchell is chock full of extra links to not only Black History basics but it contains links to Quiz'. A site by PBS called "African American World" and a section on Harriett Tubman, Martin Luther King, and a Black History Scavenger hunt link as well. The scavenger hunt is especially a hit with the competitive students within your class who like to solve puzzles and meet goals.

Here is a site by AT&T Knowledge Network Explorer which has wonderful information about Black History and all it entails. I was personally impressed with the layout of this site and how easy it was to navigate...always a positive in my book! This site is a great one for the novice internet user/student and takes little instruction from the educator to get the student started which helps with self worth and self esteeem as well.

This is entitled "The Internet African American History Challenge" and a challenge it most definitely is! I thoroughly enjoyed this site and found so much information there for not only my children but myself! A great site for learners of all ages!

These are but a few of all the sites available on the internet about Black history and the individuals who have helped mold this world to be what it is today. I invite all who read this to visit but one of these links and learn something new for Black History month. All are worth a look and I guarantee by checking them out you will be a better informed person and will help not only your students but yourself as well appreciate February and "Black History Month" as well. Have fun and let us know what you find....we all appreciate learning something new!