Free Printable Black History Month Lesson Plans and Activities

Carter G. Woodson created the idea of Black History Month in 1926, but it wasn't until 50 years later when the first February Black History Month was celebrated during the United States bicentennial. Here are free printable black history lessons. Black History Month explores the history, culture, struggles and contributions of the Aftrican diaspora (displaced or forced immigration population) in the US, Canada and UK (they observe African-American history month in October). Use these activities in your classroom or homeschool.

The Root (click here) gives a concise overview of Black History Month as well as a discussion about the need for continuing to teach Black History Month in schools. This short research essay might be helpful as a discussion board for the inclusion of Black History Month within our educational system.

Mr Donn (click here) Mr. Donn provides a comprehensive clearinghouse of educational resources across the content and grade level spectrum. Mr. Donn is a unique website for several reasons. First it is non-profit. Mr. Donn was created by educators for educators. There are very few advertisements and no forms required to use. Most teaching websites require some form of user support.

Black History Month is generally explored under the social studies umbrella of lessons, so Mr. Donn has organized the lessons within the Social Studies/ Multi-Cultural Section. The lessons are grouped chronologically in history. Each link takes users to a list of free printables, timelines, charts, graphs, video clips, movie and film resources, primary sources, photos, documents, worksheets, cognitive maps, story maps, literature connections, lesson plans and activities. The Black History Month homepage features links for:

African American history
Slavery in America: Colonies, Triangle Trade, Plantations
Underground Railroad
Civil War
Jim Crow Laws
Harlem Renaissance (Jazz Age)
Civil Rights Movement
Kwanzaa

PBS.org (click here) this is the main page of documentaries, shows, programs and resources for Black History Month. Here is the link for Africa for Kids (click here) from PBS Kids Go. To find episodes and activities for Black History Month, check PBS Kids programming websites.

Biography.com (click here) Website of the Biography Channel, this website is ideal for Black History Month as it is essentially the story of a people. Click "games" Each link offers free printables, charts, timelines, primary sources and lessons.

History.com (click here) Parent website of the History Channel, this site offers dozens of links to programs, free printable lessons, research, resources and activities.

For more lesson plans on all subjects, visit my blogs linked at the end.