Children are never too young to learn about differences. We all have different backgrounds, appearances and come in different shapes and sizes. Just like speaking and counting, empathy and celebrating others' differences are social behaviours that are learnt in early childhood.
Teaching and learning about Black History Month
- Black History Month shines a light on wonderful and inspiring individuals, from the past to the present day
- Understanding Black history will help your child understand the world and society we live in today
- It will help your little ones understand lives, cultures and experiences different to their own
It's important to note that we should celebrate different cultures and diversity throughout the whole year, but Black History Month is an extra special time to do so!
How to celebrate Black history in the home environment
We've put together some great ideas for ways to inspire your child to embrace diversity and celebrate Black history.
Find out about influential Black individuals based on your child’s interests
Does your child love music? Why not check out some jazz from Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, or some of your other favourite Black artists.
Does your child like art? There are plenty of amazing pieces of artwork created by Black artists for you and your child to check out, maybe even consider visiting an exhibition in your local area.
Enjoy a new cuisine
Food is something that unites us all, so why not dive into an African-inspired cuisine and discover new dishes to enjoy with your family. You could try out a brand-new recipe and ask your little one help out along the way. Aim to make one meal a week throughout Black History Month.
Introduce inclusivity in your crafts
Using different coloured paper, trace your child's hand multiple times and cut them out. Take some card, cut out a large heart shape and glue the hands on to it. This is a creative way of showing that we are all different.
For another idea, draw the outline of a basic human figure using different coloured paper. Decorate them with different features and clothes, remembering no two humans are identical. Finally hole punch through their hands and thread string through to connect them.
Make a face template
Try drawing a face template for your child to fill in, can they do one for each family member or friend and then talk about the differences? Do they have straight, curly, short or long hair? Do they have freckles or even dimples?
Book list
We have put together a list of recommended titles for children aged 0-5. Visit your local library to borrown these books for free or if you want to buy a copy, check out Hive:
From 0-2 years
- Baby Says by John Steptoe
- Whose Toes are Those? by Jabari Asim, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
From two years
- Fruits by Valerie Bloom, illustrated by David Axtell
- Dream Big, Little Leader by Vashti Harrison
From three years
- So Much by Trish Cooke illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
- We’re Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman & Dapo Adeola
From four years
- Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
- Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall
Extra recommendations
For more books for your children aged 0-5, visit Browns Books for Students, who have a handpicked selection for every age!