African-American History Month: Enjoy and Learn from Great Resources for All Ages!
By reading picture book biographies, students will become familiar with the challenges that early African-Americans faced, but also how they triumphed in spite of these challenges. Also, other stories about being an African-American citizen are offered, highlighting different family customs, games, professions, and hobbies. And also an excellent source of wisdom, there are also some great fables that teach excellent "life-learning lessons" that originated in Africa and came to North America with the African people long ago.
Students should note that picture books ARE FOR ANY AGE GROUP, and can be a great introduction to a topic. Also, sharing a picture book with younger siblings or friends, or even a parent or grandparent, can be a great way to connect and share a discussion about any topic.
Essential Question
Reading about challenges and triumphs of people helps bring about a greater understanding of others.
Grade(s):
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Teacher Computer & Smartboard, grades K-3
Student Chromebook , grades 4-12
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Grades 1-3: large chart in front of class, where all students can see/ chart markers in different colors
Grades 4-12: a clipboard with 10 sheets copy paper or notebook paper/ pencil or pen
Students who need additional support can work in pairs. Students who have a grasp of the concepts may choose to share their learning electronically.
Lesson Progression
1. View each book in the resources, & make these notes on CHROMEBOOK or student notebook:
* List the book title, the author, & the illustrator.
* List the main topic or main character(s) of the book, and the setting of the story.
* List 3 things about the book that you learned or enjoyed about the story or the illustrations, and discuss any feelings you had about the story( as some had some very serious situations.)
2. Discuss the show READING RAINBOW that you viewed ( no longer in production, but was a favorite for several years). Did you like it? NOTICE THE PROGRESSION OF THE SHOW:
*A theme song is played as visuals are shown w/ name of the show.
* the host appears and begins talking about a particular setting he/she is in ( hat shop )
* The host introduces a book on a similar topic as the setting he's in
* The book is read aloud. (THE CAMERA GOES IN TIGHT to show the illustrations while the book is read, & perhaps sound effects or music happens at a particular time
*The host comes back on camera to "wrap up" the segment & say goodbye
*The theme song is played to end the show.
3. Visit the website of Charleston's new INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM.
List: - the different exhibits that are described
-building materials used
-location of the museum and WHY it's located there
-any other details you think are meaningful to this new historical site.
Scarborough, William Harrison | South Carolina Public Radio
"S" is for Scarborough, William Harrison [1912-1871]. Painter. Portraitist.
View AssetHenry's Freedom Box, by Ellen Levine, Ill. by Kadir Nelson / YouTube - 11:59
HENRY'S FREEDOM BOX, read on Children's Book Read Alouds.
View ResourceOF THEE I SING: A Letter to My Daughters, by Pres. Barack Obama, Ill. by Lauren Long/ YouTube- 4:44
This book was written by President Obama as a "letter" about America to his daughters, about the many types of people that make up this country. Short but nice reading/ 4:44.
View ResourceHidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race/YouTube- 10:02
This is an inspiring story about the hard work and dedication of brilliant African-American women, who were the mathematicians that helped get a U.S. rocket into space! The book was written by Margo Lee Shetterly, and illustrated by Laura Freeman.
View ResourceFREEDOM SUMMER, by Deborah Wiles/YouTube- 6:52
This picture book was written by Deborah Wiles, & illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue. The story is based on true events, when two boys, one white and one black, experience events of the summer of 1964 when segregation became unlawful.
View ResourceMARTIN'S BIG WORDS, by Doreen Rappaport & Bryan Collier/ YouTube-5:42
This beautifully illustrated picture book describes how Martin Luther King, Jr. didn't understand segregation as a small child. It made him sad, and feel hurt...because he heard about love & acceptance every Sunday in church. Learned how he grew to be the leader for racial equality in his later years.
View ResourceI GOT THE RHYTHM Read Aloud / YouTube-5:06/ great for K-1...everyone!
This fun rhymic book was written by Connie Schofield-Morrison, and illustrated by Frank Morrison.
Enjoy this beautiful book of sounds and sensory fun...reminding us to enjoy the simple things of who we are as human beings!
Salt In His Shoes Read Aloud/ StoryTime for Kids/ YouTube- 9:03
This book is written by Michael Jordan's mother Delores, and also Roslyn Jordan, and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. It is the true story of how Michael worked hard as a child to develop his co-ordination and athletic abilities...and his Mom worked hard to encouraged him.
View ResourceWhen Marian Sang Read Aloud/YouTube- 13:50
This picture was written by Pam Munroz Ryan, & illustrated by Brian Selnick. It describes the story of Marian Anderson, who always amazed church members with her beautiful voice. Even though she endured many racist incidents, she was able to become a famous opera star.
View ResourceSit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down / YouTube-6:43
WOW!! AMAZING! This is absolutely an incredible interview with the author, Andrea Davis Pinkney, and illustrator, Brian Pinkney, about their approach to writing this book about the years when African-Americans were trying to change segregation laws.
After a brief explanation of those years of segregation, the Pinkneys read the book... which recalls the courage for 4 black college students to attempt to get food service at a Woolworth's lunch counter before integration was signed into law.
The Bat Boy and His Violin, by Gavin Curtis, Ill. by E.B. Lewis / YouTube-13:58
A wonderfully illustrated story about a small boy who loves the violin, but enters the world of Negro League baseball as a bat boy!
View ResourceBad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Live of Bass Reeves, U.S. Marshall / YouTube-17:09
(This book is better for grades 4-12, as it has much more text...but just watch & use your disgression.)
This excellent book was written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. It tells the story of a lawman who lived out west long ago, but tried his best to help lawbreakers reform and lead a better life. Great story.
SHOW WAY, by Jacqueline Nelson, Ill. by Hudson Talbott/ YouTube: 12:10
This is a moving story read by the author, speaking of GENERATIONS of black family members and the changes that impacted their lives. Beginning during the time of slavery, and continuing on through non-slave "share-cropping" days, right on to the struggle for integration...it is a moving story of the lineage of a family.
View ResourceUNCLE JED'S BARBERSHOP, by Margeree King Mitchell/ YouTube: 7:30
This beautifully written picture book was illustrated by James Ransome, and tells the story of someone's "Uncle Jed" continuing to work hard to make his dreams come true, even though there had been some adversity in his life. Very inspiring! And the reader does a nice job delivering this story to us!
View ResourceDuke Ellington: The Piano Prince / YouTube: 12:08
This beautiful picture book is about a legendary musician, Duke Ellington, and was written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, and illustrated by Brian Pinkney. Enjoy the great story of a MAN and his BAND!
View ResourceALL AROUND TOWN, by Dr. Dianne Johnson / SCETV Storytime-3:50
This is a photo-book story of an African-American photographer who lived in Columbia, S.C. He took portraits of families, weddings, funerals, brothers, sisters, fancy cars, athletic teams....ALL kinds of things! The author, Dr. Dianne Johnson, reads this book to us.
View ResourceReading Rainbow/ Three Hats / YouTube-27:00
FOR USE WITH ASSESSMENT: Notice how this program is written:
1. Musical introduction about reading books.
2. The host talks about a particular topic...in this case, HATS. \\
3. Visuals in background...camera is showing a place that's filled w/ hats ( the topic of the day)
4. Host: Makes conversation about the hats, & that leads to the title of the main book to be read that day.
K-12/ Black History Month SCIENTISTS & INVENTORS/ YouTube-
Short, animated segments that give a quick glimpse of the gifts of African-American inventors & scientists.
Excellent for all ages.
K-12/ Harriet Tubman, Born a Slave/ YouTube-3:45
This short picture book gives a brief overview of Harriet Tubman's life, and her amazing contributions to the freedom of hundreds of African-Americans who were held as slaves. A very short book, simple but well-done.
View ResourceK-12/ Maya Angelou/ YouTube- 1:50
A super-short introduction to the famous poet MAYA ANGELOU , oriented toward K-2, but an introducion to ANYONE who wants to know how she got to be the "poet of presidents.'
View ResourceMalcolm Little- The Boy Who Grew Up to Be Malcolm X/YouTube-2:50
This YouTube site, Brce Thinks Books, features a young boy who is a host for reviewing books. On this segment, he reviews a picture book about Malcolm X, written by Ilyasah Shabazz, & illustrated by A.G. Ford.
Learn about the contributions of Malcolm X in the march towards rights for African Americans in the U.S.
Black History Month for Kids/ YouTube- 4:50
A short, general explanation of Black History Month, and a focus on some great A-A history "game-changers. "Dy
View ResourceTHE ABC's of BLACK HISTORY/ YouTube-5:00
A short but exceptional alphabatized list of some influential African-Americans, and also some places that have become famous for important events in Black History.
View ResourceTROMBONE SHORTY, read by Angela Bassett/ Youtube
Ms. Bassett reads this story about a wonderful trombone player who became famous for his fabulous music skills.
View ResourceDarius Rucker: SC Hall of Fame / SCETV - knowitall .org
Darius Rucker has always had a passion for music. At the University of SC, he joined with 3 other musicians to form a rock band named HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH. They found fame by recording a best-selling album. Darius later became interested in country music, and has also won awards for his recordings in this venue.
View ResourceA True Likeness, Pt. 1/ Carolina Stories/ Part 1, Introduction
A talented African-American photographer/ portrait artist lived and worked in Columbia, SC, during the beginning of the 20th century, 1915-1935, approximately. His discovered photos show that Columbia had a very definite African-American MIDDLE CLASS citizenry, who would commission formal photos of their family members. This video is fascinating in highlighting this man's brilliant career in photography, and also providing the evidence of a large middle class of African-Americans in Columbia, approximately only 50 years after the end of the Civil War.
View ResourceA True Likeness, Pt. 2/ Carolina Stories/ Part 2, Early Life & Becoming a Photographer
Richard Roberts early years in Columbia, and how he became interested in photography.
View ResourceA True Likeness: Sharing Richard Roberts' Works
Learn how Richard Roberts works were "rediscovered" and highly appreciated by photographers, historians, visual artists and other citizens of Columbia, SC.
View ResourceInternational African American Museum/ Charleston, SC
OPENING SOON!! This museum is a tribute to the memory of the struggles and heartache of the kidnapped African people who were brought here in slavery. It is aptly built on the Gadsden Wharf area, where the slave ships routinely unloaded the involuntary human cargo.
View ResourceStandards
- 1.4 Utilize the college and career skills of a political scientist to understand and display civic dispositions about contemporary South Carolina.
- 2.H.1 Identify and compare significant historical events, moments, and symbols in U.S. history.
- 4.1.CX Contextualize the experience of Africans, Europeans, and Native Americans in South Carolina.
- 4.5.CC Identify and evaluate the impact of economic, political, and social events on the African American experience throughout Reconstruction.
- 5.4.CC Analyze the continuities and changes of race relations in the United States and South Carolina following the Supreme Court decisions of Briggs v. Elliott and Brown v. Board of Education.
- ELA.AOR.1 Evaluate and critique key literary elements that enhance and deepen meaning within and across texts.
- ELA.AOR.4 Evaluate and critique how an authors perspective and purpose shapestyle and meaning within and across informational texts.
- ELA.AOR.1 Evaluate and critique key literary elements that enhance and deepen meaning within and across texts.
- ELA.AOR.3 Evaluate how an authors choice of point of view or perspective shapes style and meaning within and across literary texts.
- ELA.AOR.2 Evaluate and critique the development of themes and central ideas within and across texts.
- ELA.AOR.3 Evaluate how an authors choice of point of view or perspective shapes style and meaning within and across literary texts.
- ELA.AOR.1 Evaluate and critique key literary elements that enhance and deepen meaning within and across texts.
- ELA.AOR.1 Evaluate and critique key literary elements that enhance and deepen meaning within and across texts.
Assessments
K-3:students:
Each student should draw and color a book cover about a CHARACTER in one of their favorite stories in the video collection viewed or a book that the teacher or media specialist has read to honor AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY month.
If they draw a book cover with just the character on the front, different than the book cover, they could call it "A TRIBUTE TO MARION SINGS", etc.
This book cover needs:
*The title, the author, the name of the illustrator of the original book
* It does NOT need to look like the actual book... or it can. If they COPY the illustration of the real book, they should list the REAL illustrator...and list themselves as the "illustrator's helper for this copy." ( If you feel a need to address PLAGIARISM to 3rd graders, perhaps... this might be a good discussion)
* If they want to simplify, just drawing one character from the book might be more fun.
4-12 students: Choose 1 of the projects below:
(Teachers, please discuss plagiarism, and how in the projects, another person's work must not be copied, whether it's words or drawings. )
* You may work solo, or in a group of 3. Sort out the work fairly if you're working in a group:
PROJECT 1: Choose an African-American that was NOT in the VIDEO RESOURCES. You will do research to write & draw a simple picture book. You may NOT COPY an existing title or picture book.
*Stack 3 sheets of printer paper on top of each other, fold in the middle of the pages to make a pretend "book"...plan where your facts and your pictures will go.
* Choose which facts will go on which pages... leave enough space on each page for an illustration.
* Lightly sketch a plan in pencil first ( on separate papers), of both your text & your drawings.
* Make a final copy, with text written neatly, or copied/pasted on computer, & drawings completed (the color is optional, depending on the mood of your book, or your supplies.)
PROJECT 2: Make a very short video program similar to READING RAINBOW. Invent your own show title about reading/ books/ etc.
INCLUDE:
1. Choose any picture book about an African-American that is NOT in this lesson's resources.
2. Create some type of drawing or photo w/ the title of your imaginary "reading/picture book show" that will be shown for your show's introduction.
3. Choose instrumental MUSIC to play in the background for your introduction.
4. Read that book, practice, and become very familiar with all vocabulary, so that you can perform the reading smoothly. Use vocal expression! This makes it interesting.
5 Figure out how the pages will get turned...and how the book will be held...in order to show entire illustrations while you're reading.
6. Practice an vintroduction for your show, using your own voice.
7. Have a helper available while taping the video book reading.
8. You MUST MENTION the AUTHOR, and the ILLUSTRATOR, and say YOUR NAME as the host of the show.
9. Figure out a very short "goodbye" comment to say at the end of your show.
10. Video each part of your "reading show." Edit out any mistakes. Be prepared to show your video to the teacher and class! :)