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Black History Month 2026: Classroom Activities for KS2

Black History Month 2026 is an opportunity to enrich your KS2 classroom with engaging, inclusive activities that celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black communities. Here are ten ideas to make your lessons more diverse and impactful.

Activity 1: Create an Alphabet Book About Black Heroes

Practical Steps:

  1. Choose Themes: Select themes such as science, arts, or sports to focus on.
  2. Research: Gather information about Black figures in those fields.
  3. Illustrate: Have students illustrate their pages with images that represent each hero.
  4. Collaborate: Combine the books into a larger anthology for all students to read.

Example:

A page on the letter "G" could feature George Washington Carver, with an illustration of Carver’s experiments with crops.

Activity 2: Design a Black Inventor Poster

Practical Steps:

  1. Research: Find notable Black inventors like Elijah McCoy or Granville T. Woods.
  2. Draw: Students create a poster highlighting their chosen inventor’s contributions.
  3. Present: Allow students to present their posters to the class.

Example:

A poster could feature Granville T. Woods, known for his inventions like the electric subway train.

Activity 3: Explore African Folktales

Practical Steps:

  1. Select Stories: Choose classic tales like "The Tale of the Three Brothers" or "The Magic Pebble."
  2. Analyze: Discuss the themes and morals of the stories.
  3. Create: Have students write their own African-inspired fables or stories.

Example:

Students might create a story about a resilient young girl who outwits a powerful ogre.

Activity 4: Celebrate African Dances

Practical Steps:

  1. Watch Videos: Show videos of traditional dances like the Lambada or the Kuduro.
  2. Learn Moves: Teach a simple dance move or step.
  3. Perform: Allow students to perform the dance in class.

Example:

Students might learn and perform the traditional African dance known as the Lambada.

Activity 5: Create an Interactive Timeline

Practical Steps:

  1. List Events: Compile a list of significant historical events involving Black figures.
  2. Date Events: Assign dates to these events.
  3. Plot Timeline: Plot the timeline on a large poster board or digital platform.
  4. Label: Add descriptive labels and images next to each event.

Example:

Place the transatlantic slave trade at the beginning, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the end of the timeline.

Activity 6: Write a Black Poetry Showcase

Practical Steps:

  1. Study Poems: Teach students about influential Black poets like Maya Angelou or Gwendolyn Brooks.
  2. Analyze: Break down poetic elements such as rhyme, rhythm, and imagery.
  3. Compose: Allow students to write their own poems inspired by these poets.

Example:

A student might write a poem about overcoming adversity, inspired by Maya Angelou’s resilience.

Activity 7: Conduct a Virtual Field Trip

Practical Steps:

  1. Select Destinations: Choose museums, landmarks, or historical sites relevant to Black history.
  2. Plan Visit: Prepare a virtual tour guide for the trip.
  3. Engage: Use video conferencing tools to take the class on a virtual field trip.
  4. Discuss: Follow up with discussions about the experience.

Example:

Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Activity 8: Make a Black Art Collage

Practical Steps:

  1. Gather Materials: Collect art supplies such as paints, paper, scissors, and glue.
  2. Research: Find images of Black artists and their works.
  3. Create: Have students create collages inspired by the works of Black artists.
  4. Present: Present their collages and discuss the artists’ techniques and themes.

Example:

A student might create a collage inspired by the vibrant colors and patterns of Romare Bearden.

Activity 9: Host a Black History Quiz

Practical Steps:

  1. Design Questions: Create a series of multiple-choice questions covering various aspects of Black history.
  2. Divide Teams: Split the class into teams and assign them to different questions.
  3. Answer Round: Have students answer questions quickly.
  4. Discuss Answers: Afterward, discuss the correct answers and any interesting facts students discovered.

Example:

A question might be "Who is the first Black person to win a Nobel Prize?"

Activity 10: Write a Short Story with a Black Character

Practical Steps:

  1. Prompt: Provide a general prompt about a character and setting.
  2. Develop Character: Have students develop their Black character’s background and personality.
  3. Write Story: Allow students to write their short stories.
  4. Share: Share the stories with the class and discuss the characters’ experiences.

Example:

A student might write about a Black character who overcomes racism and discrimination in their hometown.

Conclusion

By engaging in these activities, you can enrich your KS2 students' understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture. For additional resources and materials, visit our shop.

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