As we celebrate Black History Month this October we are shining a light on some of the fantastic resources which can help bring this important subject matter to life in the classroom and honour and celebrate the too-often unheralded accomplishments of Black individuals in every area of endeavour throughout our history.
We have pulled together some top classroom resources from KS1 through to GCSE.
KS1 & KS2
Our friends over at Twinkl have a fantastic Black History of Britain Timeline and/or an informative PowerPoint presentation that introduces the topic and can help you celebrate this important topic in the classroom. Children will enjoy learning about some important historical figures from Black History including:
• Rosa Parks
• Nelson Mandela
• Martin Luther King
• Mary Seacole
• Barack Obama
You’ll also find dedicated resources for KS1 and KS2 here
It’s not always easy to find good quality Black History Month resources that help children learn about black British history. But the fantastic bunch over at Teachwire have absolutely nailed it.
Patrice Lawrence’s novel Diver’s Daughter offers a brilliant opportunity for pupils to discover more about the diversity of the people who lived in England during the Tudor times.
By exploring the experiences of characters whose stories are not always told, and contrasting them with their own rights and freedoms, this Black History Month idea for schools enables KS2 children to develop empathy alongside their historical knowledge and understanding. Check it out
KS3 & GCSE Students
Why not share an interview with your class from the incredible Rosa Parks, the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement” and one of the most important citizens of the 20th Century. Listen to Rosa’s account of the day here
Check out this debate pack: Should We Remove Statues of Historically Racist Figures? Ask your students to consider whether or not historically racist individuals should be remembered with statues in light of their actions.
This debate topic covers slave trader Edward Colston and asks students to consider whether or not the removal of his statue is the right thing to do in modern Britain: a great form time idea for KS3 and GCSE students.
