As educators and parents, we have a powerful opportunity during Black History Month (and the whole the year) to deepen middle school students’ understanding of African American history, culture, and contributions. It’s a time to move beyond the basics and engage young learners with activities that challenge, inspire, and educate.
Black History Month activities for middle school students should not only highlight the significant achievements and struggles of African Americans but also foster an environment of empathy, respect, and curiosity. From interactive timelines that chronicle the vast sweep of Black history to living museums that bring historical figures to life, the goal is to create a rich mosaic of learning experiences.
This post is dedicated to providing a variety of activities designed to engage middle school students in meaningful exploration of Black history, ensuring they gain a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of its importance.
Related: Black History Resources for Teachers
Black History Month Activities for Middle School Students
Let’s some practical Black History Month activities for middle schoolers:
1. Decorate Class
Encouraging middle school students to take part in decorating the classroom with a Black History Month theme can turn the learning environment into an interactive museum. Invite them to create posters of significant figures and events, or timelines that highlight key moments in Black history.
Incorporating art projects related to African American culture—such as quilts representing the Underground Railroad or collages inspired by the Harlem Renaissance—can make history tangible and engaging. This activity not only beautifies the space but also instills a sense of ownership and pride in the students’ learning environment.
2. Explore Martin Luther King, Jr., Roadways
Utilize the concept of Martin Luther King, Jr., roadways as a springboard for discussion and exploration. Middle school students can research why numerous cities across the United States (and the world) have streets named after Dr. King. This can lead into a geography lesson mapping these locations and a history lesson discussing the significance of Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights. Students can present their findings through presentations or creative projects, such as creating their own street design inspired by Dr. King’s ideals.
3. Dive into Black History Month Books
Compile a reading list of books that reflect the Black experience through fiction and non-fiction suitable for middle schoolers. Books like “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson or “The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis can offer perspectives that resonate with middle school students.
Organize book discussions, literature circles, or creative book reports that allow students to explore themes, characters, and historical contexts. Encouraging students to express what they’ve learned through creative writing or projects can deepen their engagement and understanding.
4. Celebrate Black History Month Music
Introduce students to the rich legacy of African American music, from spirituals and blues to jazz, hip-hop, and beyond. Discuss the historical context of each genre and its influence on American culture and the civil rights movement. Students can create presentations on their favorite artists or songs, exploring the messages and stories behind the music. Organizing a music appreciation day where students share these findings and listen to a curated playlist can be a powerful way to experience history through sound.
Related: Best TED Talks on Black History Month
5. Visualize the Journey
An interactive timeline project can help middle school students grasp the broad scope of Black history in an engaging way. Using digital timeline makers or a physical space in the classroom, students can collaborate to create a timeline that includes major milestones, figures, and events from African American history.
This could include everything from the arrival of enslaved Africans in North America to contemporary achievements in science, politics, and the arts. Encouraging students to research and present their sections of the timeline fosters teamwork and deepens their understanding of the interconnectedness of history.
6. Create a Black History Month Living Museum
Transform your classroom or school library into a living museum where students embody historical figures, presenting their stories and achievements. Students can research their chosen figure, create costumes, and prepare short speeches or presentations. This interactive approach not only helps students delve deeply into their characters’ lives but also allows them to actively engage with their peers’ learning, making history both personal and communal.
7. Celebrate African American Artists
Organize an art project where students study African American artists, such as Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, or Jean-Michel Basquiat, and create their own artwork inspired by these artists’ styles and themes. Host an art gallery event where students can display their creations, discuss the inspiration behind their work, and learn about the contributions of Black artists to American culture and history.
8. Celebrate Black History Poetry
Introduce students to the power of poetry and spoken word as tools for expression and social change within the African American community. After exploring works by poets like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and contemporary voices like Amanda Gorman, students can write their own poems. Organize a poetry slam or reading event where students can perform their works, celebrating their voices and the tradition of storytelling in Black culture.
9. Understand Struggle and Strategy
Create an interactive simulation of the Civil Rights Movement, where students can learn about the tactics, struggles, and successes of the movement. This could include role-playing significant events, such as sit-ins, boycotts, and marches, allowing students to explore the challenges faced and the courage displayed by those who fought for equality. This activity fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the civil rights struggle.
10. Highlight African Americans’ Contributions to Science and Technology
Encourage students to research and present on African American scientists and inventors whose innovations have made significant impacts. From George Washington Carver to modern-day innovators like Mae Jemison, students can create exhibits or digital presentations showcasing these figures’ lives, work, and contributions to their fields. This fair not only educates but also inspires students in STEM fields.
11. Organize African American Literature Circle
Form literature circles focused on African American authors, allowing students to select and read novels, short stories, or autobiographies. Through guided discussions, students can explore themes, historical contexts, and the authors’ messages, gaining insights into the Black experience. This activity encourages reading comprehension, critical thinking, and empathy by engaging directly with the authors’ voices and narratives.
Related: Black History Month Activities for High School Students
Final thoughts
Incorporating the suggested Black History Month activities for middle school students into your curriculum or family learning activities can transform how young learners perceive history. By moving beyond traditional teaching methods and embracing more interactive, creative, and personal approaches to learning about African American history, we can help students develop a deeper appreciation for the contributions and experiences of Black Americans.
These activities not only educate but also inspire middle school students to think critically about the past, present, and future. As we conclude Black History Month, let’s carry forward the lessons learned and continue to celebrate and honor the rich, diverse history of African Americans throughout the year.
