How to Start Homeschooling Elementary Schoolers for Black History Month

Black History Month for homeschooled elementary schoolers must be exciting, eye-catching and toe-tapping. It needs to not only keep their attention, it should also inspire them to remember the information celebrated each February. A seven-year old humming/toe-tapping to Scott Joplin's "Treemonisha" Ragtime Opera is one way that history has a future. Remembering Black History Month isn't just for looking back at past figures like the great Paul Robeson. The month commemorates black Americans who were themselves inspired by the past, present and future. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The greatest way for young minds to celebrate Black History is through a simple stage play. It does not need to be a big production--as long as the acting brings out a standing ovation. An example would be a short play about Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, the world-renowned jazz trumpeter and band leader, that features a few excerpts of his music playing in the background while the lead actor holding a cardboard trumpet or baton for leading a band. If you make sure that the play is fun, your audience will be shouting "Encore."

2. Simple poems for Black History Month can serve as impromptu performances when you add a karaoke machine. Inside every child is someone who must have a microphone to be heard. That small voice inside has words to describe the beauty around them.

3. A Black History Month Kaleidoscope filled with pictures, quotes and colors will fill homeschooled students imaginations for years and years. The simplest kaleidoscopes are the best. When it comes to making the first one, student participation is a must. They will want to make more and more. Let them.

4. With a handheld video camera, make an African American history DVD. With some creativity, you can highlight a favorite historical event in a short play. A captive audience awaits. For example, try copying a small excerpt of an original production of "The Green Pastures" by Marc Connelly along with a few volunteers from family or friends. If "The Green Pastures" is too big a production, then your homeschool assistant director or actors can come up with a smaller play.

Tips & Warnings

• The African American history DVD you make can be a great gift idea for next year.
• Poems for Black History Month need not be about the past. A poem can make history.
• Check with family members for costumes or stage props for the play. They may even want to participate.

Resources

• Paul Robeson from Africawithin.com