Teaching Toolkit: Black History Month

The Assembly: A gathering of community through the art of stories

   Black History Month Teacher’s Toolkit

            Resources for teachers, educators and caregivers

Every February, Canada celebrates Black History Month. This is a chance to honour and remember notable Black figures in our history; and an opportunity to celebrate the many Black cultures and up-and-coming figures of our day.  

Here are some online resources, books and activities for Black History Month! Our biggest desire is to help educators and their students from grades 1 to 4 explore the various themes that exist within this subject.

      1. Online resources: teaching tools

Looking for Canadian Black History month activities? These posters come with supporting curriculums and other many other helpful resources. If curriculums interest you, check out these ones about black Canadians (bilingual). This edition of Kayak will give your group a great visual as well! 

OCDSB offers a great tool (bilingual) featuring resources to help out with this years’ planning!

National Geographic Kids is informative on an elementary level— perfect to look through with the kids!

      2. Online resources: activities

Looking for activities? These posters come with supporting curriculums, and many other helpful resources. If curriculums interest you, check out these ones about Black Canadians (bilingual).

An uber-cute freebie will get the littles thinking about a very important figure. And share this fun quiz!

Have a peek through this picture-filled biography of Viola Desmond (bilingual). It even includes an archived notebook written in by Desmond herself. On that note, don’t miss out on this interactive experience (bilingual) that goes through each detail featured on the $10 Viola Desmond banknote. Make sure to have a read through the learning lessons at the end, too!

      3. Videos: experiences, people, books (and other!)

Help the kids in your life understand the meaning of Black History Month… all while having a chance to “meet” several contributors in this sweet little cartoon. And don’t miss out on this animation about Elijah McCoy! 

Also, why not check out this engaging storytime-meets-puppet-show series?! It is sure to settle into the minds and hearts of your little ones.

      4. Culture: art, songs and dance

One of the best ways to celebrate?… taking a deep dive into the historical and cultural side of Black History Month.

Start off with some creative movement! This dance tutorial will teach the kids how clocks work while they move and groove to African beats. 

Geared toward a younger crowd are these video guides through Afro-Brazilian Samba and Afro-Cuban Cha-cha.

Your next stop could be more vocal! Follow the drinking gourd was a song that Black slaves sang on their trek through to freedom. A theatrical version of the song (featuring original poetry!) by children is a good option to share, too. Or how about some Black History Month rap songs? Including this playlist about American Black History… and this song, too!

Or get artsy with some activity sheets and colouring sheets. Or make African collar necklaces and Kente cloths.

      5. Podcasts for kids

We have something in store for your auditory learners as well! The kids will love listening to these African folktales… and this background info on Black History Month. You’ll also find a few podcasts for grades 3 and up here.

      6. Events

See this blog for OPL children’s events this Black History Month, including our assembly! 

      7. A selection of books

Click the images! Or simply look below. You’ll have access to two booklists featuring titles that spotlight Black History Month themes.