How to Decorate a Classroom for Black History Month

February is black history month. It is a time to celebrate and learn about the societal accomplishments and contributions made by African Americans. A good way to introduce students to the history of African Americans is to provide visual displays throughout your room.

Instructions

1. Create a visual timeline around the top perimeter of your classroom. Include pictures and corresponding dates of famous African Americans throughout history. Below this timeline, create a timeline of the Civil Rights Movement.

2. Designate one corner to the accomplishments of African Americans in the field of science. Post pictures and corresponding biographies of famous scientists, such as Daniel Hale Williams, Charles Turner, Benjamin Bannecker and George Washington Carver. Alternate pictures and biographies throughout the month.

3. Establish a Black History Month library. Fill the library with books biographies and autobiographies about African Americans. Add books written by African American writers, such as Maya Angelou, Alex Haley and W.E.B. DuBois. Encourage children to check out books from your library. Hold a contest for the student who reads the most books.

4. Post poetry by famous African Americans on the walls throughout the room. Include poems by Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, James Weldon Johnson, Jessie Redmon Fause and Phillis Wheatley.

5. Reserve one portion of the classroom for African American politicians. Include pictures of current politicians such as Condolezza Rice and Barack Obama. Also include pictures and biographies of African American politicians throughout history.

6. Put up a display area showcasing African American contributions to arts and entertainment. Include old album jackets, cassette tapes and CDs. Post copies of African American art from artists such as Joshua Johnson, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Horace Pippin, Jacob Lawrence, Alma Thomas and Martin Puryear.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your principal about holding a door decorating contest for Black History Month.