EP 154 Empowering Educators: Engaging Lesson Plans for Black History Month

Welcome, educators! Before we dive in, I want to share some incredible resources available to support you in your teaching journey. Visit My Adventures in ESL Store to explore engaging lesson plans and activities designed to make learning meaningful and impactful.

First and foremost, thank you for the amazing work you do. As educators, you are not just teaching Language Learners; you are opening doors to opportunity and helping students find their voice. Your patience, compassion, and creativity create a classroom environment where students feel safe to learn, grow, and dream big. Your commitment changes lives daily, and for that, you are truly appreciated!

Planning for Black History Month: Engaging Lesson Ideas

Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to educate students about the significant contributions and history of Black individuals in America. Below are structured lesson ideas to help you plan an impactful week of learning.

Lesson Idea #1: Building Background Knowledge

Begin the lesson by helping students understand the significance of Black History Month. Start by providing background knowledge through engaging videos and read-alouds.

• Utilize kid-friendly videos on YouTube to introduce the history and importance of Black History Month.
• Read age-appropriate books available on GetEpic to help students connect with key historical moments.
• Activity: Gallery Walk – Have students write 2-3 facts they learned about Black History Month on sticky notes or index cards. Display their facts around the classroom. Students can then walk around, read their classmates’ contributions, and leave feedback.

Lesson Idea #2: Cause and Effect Mini-Lesson

For Day 2, focus on cause and effect as the reading skill of the week. Black History Month provides a rich context to explore cause-and-effect relationships in history.

• Use specific historical events to create a Cause & Effect Chart in the classroom.
• I have a Cause & Effect lesson available that makes it easy for students to practice identifying these relationships.

Lesson Idea #3: Close Reading Activity

On Day 3, engage students in a close-read lesson centered on Black History Month.

• Encourage students to focus on a key skill such as main idea, inference, or summarization while reading.
• Integrate listening and speaking by having students listen to a passage, then discuss and answer comprehension questions.
• Need structured lessons? Check out my Black History Lesson Plans 

Lesson Idea #4: Writing Assignment

Day 4 will be a writing-focused day where students will craft a paragraph or essay using the cause-and-effect structure.

• Provide students with passages on Black History Month to guide their writing.
• Prompt: Write a cause-and-effect paragraph or essay on the causes of Black History Month and its impact on society.

Lesson Idea #5: Virtual Field Trip

Wrap up the week with an exciting virtual field trip!

• There are numerous museums offering virtual tours that celebrate Black History Month.
• The Momma Wanderlust highlights 12 museums that students can explore online.
• Activity: Notice, Wonder, Connect – While on the virtual tour, have students jot down what they notice, what they wonder, and any personal connections they make to the content.

Get Full Lesson Plans & Resources

If you found today’s lesson ideas valuable, visit My Adventures in ESL Store to download the full, detailed lesson plan, which includes two weeks of structured activities, reading passages, and writing prompts to make Black History Month an enriching experience for your students.

Thank you for your dedication to education and for making a difference in the lives of your students every day!