Black History Month is an important time to recognise and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and culture of Black individuals throughout history. Teaching young children about Black History Month can be a valuable and enlightening experience, even for preschoolers as young as 3-4 years old. However, it's crucial to approach these lessons with sensitivity, respect, and age-appropriate activities.

DO'S

Choose Age-Appropriate Materials:

Select books, videos, and activities that are specifically designed for preschoolers. Look for engaging and colourful resources that are easy for young children to understand and enjoy. For example, the picture book "Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison features short biographies and vibrant illustrations that engage young readers.

Highlight Positive Role Models:

Share stories and images of Black individuals who have made significant contributions to society, such as scientists, artists, and athletes. Emphasise their achievements and the positive impact they've had. For instance, you can share the story of Doctor Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman astronaut. Explain how she went to space, sparking curiosity about the stars among preschoolers.

Celebrate Culture:

Explore music, dance, and art that originated from African and African-American traditions. Encourage hands-on activities like dancing to African rhythms or creating African-inspired art. For instance, have a music and movement activity where preschoolers can learn basic African dance steps or create colourful African-inspired artwork.

Engage in Storytelling:

Narrate stories that showcase themes of perseverance, resilience, and overcoming challenges. Help preschoolers understand the historical context and significance of these stories in simple terms. Share the story of Ruby Bridges, who was the first Black child to attend an all-white school. Emphasise her bravery and the importance of fairness.

Involve Parents:

Collaborate with parents to create a sense of continuity between home and school. Share resources and activities that can be continued at home to reinforce the lessons learned in school. For example, share a list of age-appropriate books and activities related to Black History Month with parents, encouraging them to continue the learning journey at home.

Encourage Questions:

Create a safe and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable asking questions. Be prepared to provide age-appropriate answers and facilitate discussions as curiosity arises. If a child asks why people have different skin colours, respond with, "Just like flowers come in different colours, people come in different colours too. It makes our world beautiful."

DON'TS

Avoid Stereotypes:

Steer clear of perpetuating stereotypes or biases, whether intentional or unintentional. Present a diverse range of Black individuals and experiences to counteract any preconceived notions. Avoid depicting Black individuals in roles or settings that reinforce stereotypes, such as always portraying them only as athletes or entertainers.

Don't Focus Solely on Slavery:

While it's important to acknowledge the history of slavery and its impact, avoid dwelling solely on this aspect of Black history. Showcase the accomplishments and contributions of Black individuals in various fields. Instead of concentrating solely on slavery, introduce preschoolers to figures like Harriet Tubman, who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

Skip Over Difficult Conversations:

While you should tailor discussions to be age-appropriate, don't shy away from addressing important issues like racism or discrimination. Use simple language to help children understand these concepts. If a child asks why someone was treated unfairly because of their skin colour, provide a simple explanation like, "Some people were not kind to others because they didn't understand that we are all the same on the inside."

Don't Make It a One-Time Event:

Black History Month should not be a one-off event. Continue to incorporate lessons on diversity and inclusion throughout the year to ensure a lasting impact on young minds. Continue to incorporate diverse books and activities throughout the year, such as reading stories about influential Black figures even after Black History Month ends.

Avoid Cultural Appropriation:

When exploring cultural activities or crafts, be mindful not to appropriate or misrepresent Black culture. Ensure that activities are respectful and educational rather than exploitative. For instance, when exploring African art, focus on creating original artwork inspired by African patterns rather than copying traditional art forms without understanding their cultural significance.

Don't Oversimplify:

While it's important to present information in a way that preschoolers can grasp, avoid oversimplification that distorts the truth. Maintain accuracy and age-appropriate depth in your discussions. When discussing the Civil Rights Movement, explain that people worked together to make sure everyone was treated fairly, using age-appropriate language.

In conclusion, celebrating Black History Month with preschoolers is an opportunity to instil important values of diversity, empathy, and respect at a young age. By following these do's and don'ts, childcarer and parents can help children develop a positive and informed perspective on Black history and culture that will last a lifetime.

To learn more:

• blackhistorymonth.org.uk
• stophateuk.org/black-history-month/
• redcross.org.uk/get-involved/teaching-resources/celebrating-black-history-month

Carole Agnimel - The Tinies Team