How to Teach Kids About African American History

All history is important.

African-American history is a broad and comprehensive topic that is as old as the United States and just as varied. Teaching kids African American History gives them a larger perspective on culture and history of their country.

Things You'll Need

• Videos
• Handouts
• Books on chosen topic

Instructions

1. To begin planning to teach children African-American history, teachers should have a solid foundation of important events and people in African-American history. They should become familiar with the basic facts, making it easier to place the focus on a specific person, place or event.

2. Since African-American history is quite expansive, narrow the focus to a specific topic. This will give kids the opportunity to become more familiar with the chosen topic. You'll want to pick a topic that's new and different. Students will be much more likely to pay attention and remember information that's interesting and new.

3. Base what is taught on what is most interesting to you. Not only does this make for exciting lessons, but the kids get excited as well.

4. Be creative. Plan a variety of activities to pique the students' interests. Videos, handouts, slideshow presentations and books are great resources for teaching African-American history.

5. Create a timeline. Will there be a weekly lesson for a year or is it something that will be done in a month? Timelines prevent inundating the kids with new information and allow for adequate comprehension of the new material.

Tips & Warnings

• The main thing to remember is to have fun while teaching the kids. If the kids see that you're really interested and excited about learning African-American history, they'll be interested and excited as well.

References

• University of Washington University Libraries: African American History