Parent Zone February 2010
History in the Making
We celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day in January and Black History Month during February. This time has been set aside to learn about and remember the many African Americans who have contributed so much to our society through history. Black History Month is a time for everyone to learn about cooperation, culture, and change.
Here are some easy ways you can help even the youngest child understand the basic concepts of this special month:
• Explain that anyone who works to make a difference in the world is making history.
• Visit the library and learn about famous Black History makers of yesterday.
• Talk about President Obama being the first African-American president of the United States.
• Learn about what inventions and discoveries were introduced by famous African Americans. From peanut butter invented by George Washington Carver to mailboxes patented by Philip B. Downing, many items we use everyday have some history behind them.
• Make traditional foods from various African nations.
• Get out the art supplies and make crafts to celebrate peace and unity.
• Let your children tell you about their dreams for the future.
Other Links to Explore
African-American World for Kids
The Top Ten African-American Inventors
Black History Month Guide for Kids
Craft Ideas for Black History Month
Books
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
Finding Lincoln by Ann Malaspina
Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Langston Hughes
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Craft
Funky Junk
Clean out the junk drawers and the workshop at home and recycle your junk into awesome art! All you need
is your imagination.
And if your brain needs a jump start check out this book: Funky Junk by Renee Schwarz
