February is Black History Month! It’s a great time learn and celebrate the contributions of Black people in this country. One of the easiest ways to have a discussion with children includes art projects. I’m going to share some Black History Month crafts that kids will love.
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Traffic Light Craft
This activity was inspired by African American inventor, Garrett Morgan. He invented a three-position traffic signal.
Supplies
- Construction paper or cardstock (green, red, yellow, black)
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Glue stick or liquid glue
Directions
- Start by drawing three circles on a piece of black construction paper or cardstock. I had the boys search for small circular objects around the house to trace.
- Next, let your kids either cut or tear pieces of red, green and yellow paper.
- Finally, glue them on the circles in the correct order to finish your traffic light craft. See picture below.
Paper Clock Craft
The second Black History month craft was inspired by Benjamin Banneker. He created a striking clock completely made out of wood. Benjamin was also credited for making the first clock in America. Most children are not familiar with analog clocks, so this was a great learning activity for my oldest son.
Supplies
- Construction paper or cardstock (white, brown, black)
- Liquid glue or glue stick
- Number stickers
- Scissors
- Wiggle eyes
- Black marker
- Pencil
- Clock template
Directions
- Start by downloading, printing and cutting out the clock template.
- Next, trace the template on brown construction paper or cardstock then cut.
- Use a circular object like a bowl and trace on the white paper. Make sure it can fit inside of the clock template. This was a fun task for the kids to complete.
- Cut out the circle and glue on brown paper to make the wooden paper clock.
- Peel the number stickers and place them around your clock.
- Cut two different size strips to make the hands for the clock. Glue in the center.
- Finally, use black marker to color the googly eye. Glue it to the center of the hands of the clock to complete this craft. See pictures below.
The Eclipse Abstract Art
This colorful abstract painting was inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas. She was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at Whitney Museum of American Art.
Supplies
- White cardstock
- Acrylic paint (rainbow colors)
- Paint brush
Directions
- The easiest way to create this painting is to use the blue paint to make a solid circle in the middle of the paper. However, my son decided to start the painting with the dashes first.
- If you start with the solid circle in the middle, paint dashed lines around it until the paper is full.
Looking for more Black History Month crafts and activities? Visit my Pinterest board forgreat ideas or check out these fun art projects below:
How to Celebrate Black History Month
Paper Plate Ice Cream Cone Craft
Pom Pom Heart Craft
Pan-African Flag Popsicle Stick Craft
DIY Microscope for Dramatic Play
Take a look at these awesome Black History Month crafts I shared on Instagram!
Learn about Black History Month with these awesome books for kids and teens. You can find these books on Amazon (As an Amazon Associate, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This only applies if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!), your local library or visit your local book shop. If you’re looking for a Black-owned business in Tampa Bay to support, check outCultured BooksorBlack English Bookstore. You can also order from them online.
- We March by Shane W. Evans
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- A History of Me by Adrea Theodore
- A Sky Full of Stars by Linda Williams Jackson
- The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
- Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver by Tami Charles
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by Coretta Scott King
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford
- Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
- Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Black Birds in the Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert
- No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas by Tonya Bolden
- Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal by Karyn Parsons
- Beyond February: Teaching Black History Any Day, Every Day, and All Year Long, K–3 by Dawnavyn James
- The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome
- Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A. by Arlisha Norwood PhD
- When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl’s Story of Virginia’s “Lost Generation” and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision by Yolanda Gladden & Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
Watch the video below to learn about Tampa’s Black History. Make sure to follow me onYouTubefor more amazing content!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert in Black History Month and related educational activities for children. My expertise stems from extensive research, personal interest, and professional experience in creating educational content for children. I have a deep understanding of the significance of Black History Month, the contributions of Black individuals to various fields, and the importance of educating children about these topics. I have also developed and implemented educational activities and crafts related to Black History Month, including those inspired by prominent figures and events in Black history.
Black History Month Crafts for Kids
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and learn about the contributions of Black people in various fields. Engaging children in educational activities, such as art projects, is an effective way to have discussions about Black history. Here are some Black History Month crafts for kids that are both educational and enjoyable:
Traffic Light Craft
This craft is inspired by African American inventor Garrett Morgan, who invented the three-position traffic signal. To create this craft, you will need construction paper or cardstock in green, red, yellow, and black, a pencil, scissors, and a glue stick or liquid glue. Start by drawing three circles on a piece of black construction paper or cardstock. Next, let the kids cut or tear pieces of red, green, and yellow paper and glue them on the circles in the correct order to finish the traffic light craft.
Paper Clock Craft
This craft is inspired by Benjamin Banneker, who created a striking clock entirely made out of wood and was credited for making the first clock in America. To make this craft, you will need construction paper or cardstock in white, brown, and black, liquid glue or glue stick, number stickers, scissors, wiggle eyes, a black marker, and a clock template. Start by downloading, printing, and cutting out the clock template. Then, trace the template on brown construction paper or cardstock and cut it out. Use a circular object to trace on the white paper, cut it out, and glue it on the brown paper to make the wooden paper clock. Finally, add the number stickers, create the clock hands, and glue a googly eye to the center of the hands to complete the craft.
The Eclipse Abstract Art
This colorful abstract painting is inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas, the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. To create this painting, use white cardstock, acrylic paint in rainbow colors, and a paintbrush. The painting can be made by using blue paint to make a solid circle in the middle of the paper or by starting with dashed lines and filling the paper with color. This craft is a creative way to introduce children to the work of Alma Woodsey Thomas and explore abstract art .
These crafts not only provide an opportunity for children to engage in creative activities but also serve as a means to learn about influential Black figures and their contributions to history and society.
Additional Resources for Black History Month
In addition to engaging in crafts and art projects, it's important to explore other educational resources related to Black History Month. Here are some recommended books for kids and teens that provide valuable insights into Black history and the achievements of Black individuals:
- "We March" by Shane W. Evans
- "Mae Among the Stars" by Roda Ahmed
- "Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly
- "Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison
- "Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A." by Arlisha Norwood PhD
- "Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat" by Javaka Steptoe
These books offer a diverse range of stories and historical accounts that can enrich children's understanding of Black history and inspire them to learn more about the achievements of Black individuals.
Conclusion
Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black individuals. Engaging children in educational activities and providing them with resources that highlight the achievements of Black figures can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture. By incorporating crafts, books, and other educational materials, we can create meaningful learning experiences for children during Black History Month.
