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5 Black History Month Activities for Middle School

Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and stories of Black individuals throughout history. As English Language Arts (ELA) educators, we can create meaningful and engaging learning experiences that inspire students to explore Black voices, literature, and culture. Here are some exciting ELA activities to bring Black History Month to life in your classroom.

1. Dive into Literature by Black Authors

First, introduce students to influential Black authors such as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Jacqueline Woodson. Select age-appropriate poetry, short stories, or excerpts from novels to analyze themes of resilience, identity, and social justice.

Activity Idea:

  • Conduct a “Poetry Analysis Gallery Walk,” where students read and analyze poems, annotating literary devices and discussing their impact.
  • Host a “Read Aloud & Reflect” session to encourage thoughtful discussions on character development and cultural themes.

Recommended Books:

  • “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson
  • “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
  • “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly (Young Readers Edition)

2. Black History Month Writing Prompts

Encourage students to reflect on key figures and events through writing activities. Creative and analytical writing helps students connect personally with historical moments.

Activity Idea:

  • Use prompts such as:
    • “If I could interview one Black historical figure, who would it be and why?”
    • “How has the Civil Rights Movement shaped our world today?”
    • “What does Black excellence mean to you?”

Tip: Create a classroom writing wall to showcase student reflections and celebrate their voices.

3. Black History Month Bulletin Board

Make learning visible by designing an interactive bulletin board featuring influential Black figures in literature, music, activism, science, and the arts.

Ideas for this Activity:

  • Set up a “Who Am I?” section where students match achievements to key historical figures.
  • Have students create biographical pennants summarizing an inspiring person’s contributions.

Check out my Black History Month Bulletin Board:

Why You’ll Love This Bulletin Board Set:

✔ Encourages Inclusivity: Promote cultural awareness and inspire students to embrace diversity and representation in your classroom.

✔ Versatile Display Options: Perfect for Black History Month, but also ideal for year-round decor in ELA, social studies, and history classrooms.

✔ Classroom Engagement: Use the posters as teaching tools to highlight the achievements and contributions of Black leaders across history.

✔ Easy to Assemble: Simply print, cut, and arrange to create an engaging and motivational display that aligns with culturally responsive teaching practices.

4. Reading Comprehension Activities with Historical Passages & Pennants

Enhance reading skills while exploring key moments in Black history through engaging passages and comprehension questions. In addition, have your students take their new knowledge and create beautiful pennants for your classroom. Check out this Black History Leaders Reading Passages & Snapshot Pennants.

5. Black History Month Speech Analysis

Analyzing famous speeches by Black leaders can help students explore rhetorical strategies and persuasive techniques.

Activity Idea:

  • Assign speeches such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” or Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?”
  • Break students into groups to identify rhetorical devices like ethos, pathos, and logos.

More Black History Month Activities & Websites:

By incorporating these engaging Black History Month ELA activities, you can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history and culture in your classroom. Whether through literature, writing, or interactive displays, these activities empower students to honor the legacy and achievements of Black individuals.

Looking for ready-made Black History Month classroom resources? Browse our collection of posters, reading passages, pennants, and bulletin board kits to make your lessons even more impactful.

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