[toolset_access role=”Guest”][/toolset_access]Celebrating Black History Month in your early years settings is an important opportunity to promote diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate it in a meaningful way that is also developmentally appropriate for young children:
Role Models: Discuss Black individuals who have made significant contributions to society. These can be historical figures, modern-day celebrities, or local community heroes. For younger children, it’s useful to choose individuals in areas they can relate to, like sports, music, or children’s television.
Music and Dance: Introduce children to different music and dance styles that have roots in Black culture, like jazz, hip-hop, or African drumming and dance. Dancing and making music are not only fun but also help children to physically express themselves.
Discussions and Questions: Encourage children to ask questions about what they’re learning. Engage them in age-appropriate discussions about diversity and equality. It’s essential that children feel they can talk openly about race and ethnicity.
When celebrating Black History Month, it’s crucial to do so in a way that is respectful and genuine. It’s also important to remember that while Black History Month is an excellent opportunity to focus on Black history and culture, these topics should be included in early years settings throughout the year, not just in one month. By doing so, we can promote an ongoing culture of diversity, equality, and respect.