Fabulous Freebies: African American History Online

With two weeks left in February, now is a great time to find (new) ways to celebrate African American History month in your classroom.  PBS has created some great multimedia lessons to teach students about the history of social justice struggles in this country through the experiences of African Americans.  The history lessons are powerful and the themes are universal.  There are six of them:

African American History Lessons Since the Civil Rights

It Takes Courage To Be Weak

Life After the Emancipation Proclamation

Civil Disobedience and Social Change

Causes and Effects of Abolition

Resistance to Slavery

The lessons are most overtly linked to social studies, but there are ways to link them to so many other content areas.  For example, the lesson on Resistance to Slavery talks about French ruled St. Domingue and Spanish ruled Florida.  It also has students identifying causes and effects, thinking critically about pros and cons of various approaches to problems, and writing journal reflections.  Math teachers could easily create a lesson where students calculate the distances between territories that did have slaves and free territories.  Music teachers can look at creative form of resistance and tie it to a lesson on the use of spirituals in resisting slavery.  Science teachers can discuss the climate changes between west Africa, the Northeastern U.S., Florida and the Caribbean and the adaptations that people would have had to make to survive in each territory.  

If nothing else, bookmark this cite as a something to look at in the future.  The lessons are thorough and tied to the common core. 

Fabulous Freebies: Martin Luther King Jr.

Since it is the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday tomorrow, I thought I would share some related freebies. I have done lessons many times related to Martin Luther King Jr. and they have always had a good response since students have a lot of prior knowledge about him that they can use in the lesson.


Read With Me - For older students in middle or high school this is a good lesson that incorporates cooperative learning and discussions. Students read a letter written by Martin Luther King Jr. and discuss it in a group (using the provided discussion questions) and create something based on their discussion. Students are invited to share their findings with the Philadelphia Art Sanctuary.


The Holiday Zone Arts & Crafts - I liked the selection of ideas on this site for Martin Luther King themed art projects. There are more open ended ideas such as a black and white collage and more specific projects such as creating a timeline. There aren't materials to help but the ideas are self explanatory and work great for a variety of ages.

Write an I Have a Dream Speech - Education.com goes through step by step ways you can help your students write their own "I Have a Dream" speech. The step by step process described is a great way to help your students think more deeply about the content of their writing.

MLK Science Ideas for All Grades - I started browsing through these ideas to see what I thought and I enjoyed many of them so instead of just posting one I am posting the whole site so you can check it out and find the appropriate lesson for your age group. There are lots of scientific lessons here that have supplemental materials such as videos and websites that you can use in your lesson plan. The ideas are creative since I often see the egg yolk/egg white idea but these were all new to me!

If you have a free MLK related lesson, share it with us below. I would love to check it out!

15 Spring Writing Prompts

Since we had a few nice days of weather before our next predicted storm, it reminded me that spring will (eventually) show up. Here are some spring themed writing prompt ideas to get you and your students in the mood for warmer weather!

1. During spring, trees grow leaves again on their branches. Imagine what this would be like and write a story from the perspective of the tree about what spring feels like.

2. If you could be any flower, what flower would you be and why?

3. Earth Day is in the spring. Describe what you do to help take care of the earth.

4. May is National Pet Month. If you could have one unusual pet, what would you have and why?

5. Write a list of interview questions you would like to ask the Easter Bunny.

6. In April there is Read a Road Map Week. Describe where you would like to go on a road trip and what you would see.

7. Plan a celebration for National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day.

8.  During the spring you can wear different clothes than during the winter. How are your outfits changing and what are you looking forward to wearing?

9. List ten things you would like to grow in a garden in the spring.

10. Many baby animals are born in the spring. Write a story about a baby bird coming out of an egg and living in a nest with his or her bird parents.

11. Many people do spring cleaning. Think of an invention that could help you do all of your spring cleaning. Write an ad to help sell your spring cleaning invention to others.

12. What would you like to do over spring break? Write a persuasive essay to your family to try to convince them to follow along with your ideas.

13. Imagine a farmer would plant a magical seed in his garden in the spring. Write a story about what would happen and what would grow from the seed.

14. The sun stays out for longer and longer in the spring. What do you like to do with all of this extra daylight?

15. Teacher Appreciation Week is in the spring. Write a list of ways you could show your teacher you appreciate him or her.

For more spring activities, check out my Spring Math, Literacy and Art Packet!

Fabulous Freebies: African American History for the Upper Grades

With two weeks left in February and the Valentine's Day excitement behind us, now is a great time to find (new) ways to celebrate African American History month in your classroom.  PBS has created some great multimedia lessons to teach students about the history of social justice struggles in this country through the experiences of African Americans.  The history lessons are powerful and the themes are universal.  There are six of them:

African American History Lessons Since the Civil Rights

It Takes Courage To Be Weak

Life After the Emancipation Proclamation

Civil Disobedience and Social Change

Causes and Effects of Abolition

Resistance to Slavery

The lessons are most overtly linked to social studies, but there are ways to link them to so many other content areas.  For example, the lesson on Resistance to Slavery talks about French ruled St. Domingue and Spanish ruled Florida.  It also has students identifying causes and effects, thinking critically about pros and cons of various approaches to problems, and writing journal reflections.  Math teachers could easily create a lesson where students calculate the distances between territories that did have slaves and free territories.  Music teachers can look at creative form of resistance and tie it to a lesson on the use of spirituals in resisting slavery.  Science teachers can discuss the climate changes between west Africa, the Northeastern U.S., Florida and the Caribbean and the adaptations that people would have had to make to survive in each territory.  

If nothing else, bookmark this cite as a something to look at in the future.  The lessons are thorough and tied to the common core. 

28 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Your Classroom

With African American history month coming up, here is a list of ways to celebrate for each day of the month!

1. Play a game about African American history like my PowerPoint Jeopardy style game.
2. Post a quote from an African American leader on your board each day of the month.
3. Role play an event related to African American history in your classroom.
4. Learn about African roots by making African artwork with your students.
5. Listen to some African American jazz music while doing quiet studying in your classroom.
6. Teach students what eggs have to do with Martin Luther King Jr.
7. Read a novel with African American characters such as "The Color Purple."
8. Follow Harriet Tubman on this interactive Underground Railroad journey.
9. Create a timeline of African American history.
10. Pretend you are African American leaders and give speeches.
11. Watch a film about African American history such as "Eyes on the Prize."
12. Act out a court case from the Civil Rights era.
13. Create a collage titled "I Have a Dream."
14. Do an African American history word search.
15. Track African American athletes accomplishments during the Olympic games.
16. Create trading cards of famous African Americans.
17. Draw a scene from African American history.
18. Analyze symbolism in a work of poetry written by an African American.
19. Interview African Americans on their views of African American history month.
20. Identify African American accomplishments in each subject area.
21. Read about the history of hip hop.
22. Construct a mock up of an African American invention.
23. Cook soul food with your students.
24. Create a paper quilt by attaching your students' artwork together that was inspired by the work of Faith Ringgold.
25. Map out the path of the Freedom Riders on Google maps. Calculate mileage and gas cost using current prices.
26. Visit a local African American history museum or historical location.
27. Write a letter to an African American leader.
28. Put on a play acting out a scene from an African American book.

Three Fun Games to Celebrate Black History Month in Your Classroom!

If you plan on celebrating African American History Month in your classroom, you might want to use one of these games. I have a small group game and two larger group games that work perfect to teach African American history.

For small groups or as a center, check out my Black History Memory Game. This game contains 24 pairs of cards that helps your students learn about important African-American people, events, and terms.

Another fun game that is always a hit in my classroom is Bingo! I also love that my students can all play this game at one time and since they have to listen to the clues you read, your class is easily quieted throughout the game. It's easy to play one round of the game if you just have a few minutes available. I usually keep squares of scrap paper in a bowl and pass it around the room and have everyone take a few pieces to cover their board.

The last game for Black History Month available at my store is this PowerPoint Black History Game in the style of Jeopardy. If you have access to a projector or can huddle students around a computer monitor, this game is a blast! Students click on each category and answer important questions.


All three games have been rated 4/4 stars by TPT users!

Fabulous Freebies: Celebrating African American History Month

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up in two days and African American History month following in a couple weeks, it seemed like it was about time to share some of my favorite timely freebies with you.  Comb through the links below and you can come up with material for every day of the month.  

Math

1. Scholastic has a Math Hunt game that teaches students a bit about African American history and requires them to use math to answer the questions.  The skills tested are not super advanced (reading graphs, estimating, adding, etc), but it is worth checking out.  It covers a range of topics and is interdisciplinary.
2. Beatrice Lumpkin has created an excellent pdf complete with some of the history of math in Africa.  There are games and drawing activities you can have your students do to practice proportions and logic.   

Language Arts 

1. Check out 10 African American authors everyone should read. 
2. The first is a template for making an "I Have a Dream" speech booklet.  It is designed for the middle elementary grades.  Students are asked to color the pages, glue on tabs, and reflect on their own dreams.  As they work they will read about MLK's life and work.  It teaches children about his desire that all people be treated with respect and equality.
3. The Harlem Renaissance was a time when African American arts and literature thrived.  PBS has an online lesson plan to teach your students more about it.

History

1. Check out these biographies of 10 great African Americans who fought justice.  The lesson packet includes a couple activities.
2. One of the coolest resources I've found this year is an oral history archive devoted to famous African American leaders.  There is a wealth of primary sources here.  Your students can listen to   Maya Angelou and 100's of others tell their stories.
3. Have students complete a web quest on the Buffalo Soldiers.  This handout comes with clear instructions, a printable handout and answer key.
4. Give your students a virtual tour of the national Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.  Student can read the quotes inscribed on the walls at the site and see pictures of the memorial.  Teachers can also find lesson plans at this site.

Science

1. Check out the online article Black Inventors A-Z.
2. Want to turn a lesson on African American inventors into a project?  Check it out.
3. Have students complete a tic-tac-toe project on an African American inventor.

General (other websites with useful collections)

1. http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
2. http://www.educationworld.com/a_special/black_history.shtml
3. http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/resource_library/african_american_resources.html
4. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:african+american+history/Price-Range/Free
5. http://www.pinterest.com/etclessons/african-american-history-literature-education/

Eyes on the Prize Viewing Guide on Sale!

Eyes on the Prize is a seminal documentary on the Civil Rights Movement. It is broken into 14 parts, each approximately one hour in length. So often today students feel so out of touch with that era, and have a difficult time conceptualizing what went on then, how it must have felt, etc. This documentary does an excellent job of bringing that piece of important history back to life.

I've watched the first six movies of the series and bundled the six guides.  For this month only--in preparation for African American history month in February--I am selling the bundle at an all time low cost of $4.  Normally I sell it for the discounted price of $5 if the buyer purchases all six at once instead of purchasing them individually (they are $1 each, if purchased separately). It includes:

AWAKENING about Emmett Till and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
FIGHTING BACK about integrating the schools
AIN'T SCARED OF YOUR JAILS about the sit-ins & Freedom Riders
NO EASY WALK about organizing & the March on Washington
IS THIS AMERICA? about Mississippi and the Freedom Summer
BRIDGE TO FREEDOM about the march from Selma to Montgomery

Each viewing guide is between 10 and 16 questions and includes an answer key.

Again, each of these is also sold separately for $1. If you interested in certain ones instead of the bundle, visit my store. 

Free Summer Reading Programs for 2013

As schools get ready for summer break, get your students ready for some summer learning with these summer reading programs!

Scholastic Summer Challenge 

Students can help to break a world record and earn digital rewards by logging on and recording their reading minutes. Teachers can preregister your students and compete with classes from around the world!

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program

Get a free book and summer reading kit by participating in Barnes and Noble's summer reading program.

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain

Students can earn a gift certificate to Half Price Books for logging their summer reading program this year. Students only have to read a minimum of about 15 minutes a day to earn this reward and students up to age 14 are included in this easy program.

Sylvan's Book Adventure

Students read and take comprehension quizzes to participate in this summer program. Points are earned based on the books read and students can select their prizes accordingly.

TD Bank's Summer Reading Program 

TD Bank will deposit $10 into a new young saver's account after they have read 10 books this summer. Students simply read 10 books, record those books onto TD Bank's sheet and bring it into any local branch. This could be a great way to encourage reading and help students learn how to save money.

Chuck E Cheese Reward Your Kids

Students record their daily reading on a printable calendar and turn in into their local Chuck E Cheese. Two weeks of daily reading results in 10 free tokens. There is a catch: food must be purchased for free token redemption.

Books a Million Summer Reading Program

Get a free Dr. Seuss insulated lunch bag by participating in BAM's summer reading program. The program starts May 19th.

Your Local Library 

Almost all local libraries have summer reading programs for kids. My local library even has a summer reading program for adults! It's always worth it to participate.

Three Fun Games for African American History or Black History Month!

Although I also think like Etc. in that African-American history should be focused on year-round, I know that a special time to focus on it is in February. If you are celebrating Black History Month this year at school and your students love playing games as much as mine do, check out these three fun games to help your students learn about important African-American facts, people, and historical moments.

For small groups or as a center, check out my Black History Memory Game. This game contains 24 pairs of cards that helps your students learn about important African-American people, events, and terms.

Another fun game that is always a hit in my classroom is Bingo! I also love that my students can all play this game at one time and since they have to listen to the clues you read, your class is easily quieted throughout the game. Please note that the images and facts used in this game are almost identical to those in my memory game.

The last game for Black History Month available at my store is this PowerPoint Black History Game in the style of Jeopardy. If you have access to a projector or can huddle students around a computer monitor, this game is a blast! Students click on each category and answer important questions.

Fabulous Friday Freebies: Celebrating African American History

There are so many ways to celebrate African American History throughout the year, but since it often receives special attention during February, I'm preparing you to jump start the month's activities with some fabulous freebies across the content areas.


Math

1. Scholastic has a Math Hunt game that teaches students a bit about African American history and requires them to use math to answer the questions.  The skills tested are not super advanced (reading graphs, estimating, adding, etc), but it is worth checking out.  It covers a range of topics and is interdisciplinary.
2. Beatrice Lumpkin has created an excellent pdf complete with some of the history of math in Africa.  There are games and drawing activities you can have your students do to practice proportions and logic.   

Language Arts 

1. Check out 10 African American authors everyone should read. 
2. The Harlem Renaissance was a time when African American arts and literature thrived.  PBS has an online lesson plan to teach your students more about it.

History

1. Check out these biographies of 10 great African Americans who fought justice.  The lesson packet includes a couple activities.
2. One of the coolest resources I've found this year is an oral history archive devoted to famous African American leaders.  There is a wealth of primary sources here.  Your students can listen to   Maya Angelou and 100's of others tell their stories.

Science

1. Check out the online article Black Inventors A-Z.
2. Want to turn a lesson on African American inventors into a project?  Check it out.

General (other websites with useful collections)

1. http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
2. http://www.educationworld.com/a_special/black_history.shtml
3. http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/resource_library/african_american_resources.html

Fabulous Freebies: Martin Luther King Jr. Resources

Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday will be honored on January 21st this year. Here are some fabulous freebies to help your students learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. in your classroom.

This video is a short 3 minute clip that summarizes important points of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and background. It is easy to watch and understand and would be a great introduction for students of many ages.

Check out Teaching Heart's Blog to get two activities to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Get a free fact and opinion sheet and mini book through this link. Both are nicely laid out and easy to print and use. Use this link to get even more freebies and teaching resources!

I also thought that this visual aid was a great way to make an important point about skin color in your classroom. See how it was used at the The First Grade Parade blog.

The Certification Map website also has a great list of lesson plans divided by grade level. All grades are included from middle school to high school!

Do you have a great free resource for learning about Martin Luther King Jr.? Share it with us in the comments below and I'll post about it this week.