As February approaches, it’s a great time to plan meaningful and age-appropriate ways to celebrate Black History Month in your homeschool. This free Black History Month secular homeschool planning guide helps families explore African American history and culture through literature, art, science, and history—without religious content.
Designed for elementary-age kids, this guide works well as a flexible unit study or as individual lessons spread throughout the month.
Why Celebrate Black History Month in a Secular Homeschool?
Black History Month is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the achievements, contributions, and cultural impact of African Americans throughout history.
For homeschool families, Black History Month provides an opportunity to:
- Promote inclusivity by highlighting diverse experiences and perspectives
- Educate and inform through history, stories, and influential figures
- Encourage critical thinking about equality, justice, and civil rights
- Celebrate creativity and innovation across art, science, and leadership
Homeschooling allows families to integrate these topics thoughtfully through books, discussions, and hands-on learning that supports cultural awareness and understanding.
👉 You may also enjoy our Winter Secular Homeschool Planning Guide for seasonal learning ideas.
Sample Weekly Black History Month Homeschool Plan
This flexible pacing example works well for elementary-age homeschoolers. Adjust as needed based on your schedule and interests.
Week 1: Introduction & Literature
- Read picture books by Black authors
- Discuss family, community, and storytelling
- Create a simple art response or journal page
Week 2: Civil Rights & History
- Learn about key civil rights figures and events
- Read biographies or watch short educational videos
- Create a Martin Luther King Jr.–inspired zine
Week 3: Science, Medicine & Innovation
- Explore Black scientists and inventors
- Choose one hands-on STEM project
- Connect inventions to real-world problem-solving
Week 4: Art, Culture & Creative Expression
- Study Black artists and visual storytelling
- Create art inspired by Alma Thomas, Faith Ringgold, or Jacob Lawrence
- Reflect on what was learned throughout the month
Free Printable Black History Month Secular Homeschool Guide
Grab your free Black History Month secular homeschool planning guide to help organize your lessons, reading lists, and activities. You’ll also find additional free printables throughout this post to support your plans.
Black History Month Literature for Kids
Books are a powerful way to introduce children to Black history, culture, and voices. These titles work well for read-alouds, discussion, and independent reading.
Picture Books & Literature
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- My People by Langston Hughes
- Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
- I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes
- The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
- Maya Angelou: Little People, Big Dreams by Lisbeth Kaiser
- Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon
- Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
- The Great Migration: Journey to the North by Eloise Greenfield
- Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
Literature Sheroes: Inspiring Black Women
These books highlight strong, empowering female figures who align beautifully with Black History Month learning:
- Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- Harlem’s Little Blackbird by Renée Watson
- The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson
- Princess Hair by Sharee Miller
- Brave. Black. First. by Cheryl Hudson
Civil Rights Movement for Kids
Help children understand the importance of the Civil Rights Movement by exploring key events and figures such as:
- Martin Luther King Jr. and the I Have a Dream speech
- The Montgomery Bus Boycott
These lessons naturally lead to discussions about fairness, justice, and standing up for others.
👉 Make this Martin Luther King Jr. Zine as a creative, hands-on extension.
Black History Month: Science & Medicine
Highlight African American scientists and medical professionals who made groundbreaking contributions.
Explore figures such as:
- Mae Jemison, engineer, physician, and astronaut
- Charles Drew, pioneer in blood transfusion research
👉 Visit our Famous Black Scientists for Kids collection for biographies and STEM connections.
African American Political Figures
Introduce kids to influential leaders who shaped U.S. history, including:
- Barack Obama, the first African American U.S. president
- Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress
These lessons support conversations about leadership, representation, and civic responsibility.
Visual Arts & Black History Month
Art provides a meaningful way for kids to explore history, identity, and storytelling.
Introduce children to:
- Alma Thomas and her vibrant abstract paintings
- Jean-Michel Basquiat and expressive portrait art
- Lorna Simpson and mixed-media collage
- Jacob Lawrence and narrative storytelling through shapes and color
- Faith Ringold and storytelling quilts
Pair artist studies with hands-on projects to deepen understanding and creativity.
Black History Month: Entrepreneurs & Innovators
Explore African American entrepreneurs and inventors who made lasting contributions, including:
- Madam C.J. Walker, entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Garrett Morgan, inventor of the traffic signal
👉 Grab our free Black History Month inventors cards to support this topic.
Looking for Hands-On Activities to Pair With Your Plan?
If you’d like ready-to-use projects that fit easily into your weekly plans, explore our Black History Month crafts and activities for kids.
You’ll find:
- Art projects inspired by influential Black artists
- STEM activities connected to real scientists and innovators
- Creative projects that work well for homeschool or classroom use
👉 Explore Black History Month Crafts & Activities for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Black History Month homeschool guide secular?
Yes. This planning guide focuses on history, culture, art, science, and literature and does not include religious instruction.
What age is this Black History Month guide best for?
This guide works best for elementary-age kids, typically ages 5–10. Many activities can be simplified or extended as needed.
Can I use this guide outside of February?
Absolutely. These topics and resources can be used throughout the year to highlight Black history and influential figures.
Make Planning Black History Month Simple
If you’d like everything organized in one place, we’ve put together a done-for-you Black History Month activities pack that combines hands-on learning with meaningful stories.
It includes:
- Creative art projects
- STEM challenges inspired by real innovators
- Games, puzzles, and printables
- Flexible options for classrooms or home learning
Designed for ages 5–10, this resource works well whether you’re planning a full unit or just looking for a few ready-to-use activities.
