Why is Black History Important (for Children)?
Black history is important because it instills pride and confidence in children. I experienced this as a child after learning Black History facts for kids during a summer program.
When I was nine-years-old, my older brother, Linsey, asked my mom if I could stay with him for the summers. Linsey and my sister-in-law, Michelle, developed a program called Our Story 101.
The purpose of Our Story 101 was to teach elementary and middle school kids Black history and the contributions of Africans to our world.
I remember learning for the first time that a Black man created the three-way traffic light and clock. I also learned that Mae Jemison, was a NASA astronaut and the first Black woman to travel into space. This information helped me gain confidence in myself and the abilities of others who had my skin color.
This book and coloring book is available on Amazon. Click the images below to access it.
How do I teach my child black history?
There are a number of ways to teach children black history. You can read books, play games, use flash cards, visit a museum (physically or virtually), watch movies and documentaries, research historical black figures at the library or Internet, and much more.
Once my two sons were born, I wanted to expose them to the same information I learned as a nine-year-old in the Our-Story program. I knew that teaching my sons about the positive contributions of Black people would boost their confidence and embed a lasting thought that they could accomplish anything they put time and effort into.
My original thought was to expose them to this information at nine-years-old, similar to myself. However, I decided that their first exposure to history would be Black history. I started teaching my oldest son at three-years-old.
Because three is such a young age, I could not lecture him. So, I decided to use story-telling and hands-on activities such as games, art, and play to expose him to this information.
My son thought learning black history was fun because of the hands-on activities we did together.
My son’s enthusiasm motivated me to share this information with other parents and children through a book called Our-Story Black History For Kids: Scientists. It has over 50 fun art, science experiments, and STEM DIY Projects to help children remember the scientific contributions of Black people.
What is Our-Story Black History for Kids about?
Our-Story Black History for Kids tells the story of 12 Black scientists and their contributions to our world. Each story takes the reader from the scientists’ early life to what they did to make a difference. Parents and children, ages 7 and up, will learn who invented the three way traffic light, Super Soaker Water Gun, Toilet Paper Holder and more.
How will it make Black history facts for kids memorable?
This book was written so parents and their children, ages 7 and up, could be exposed to Black history in a fun and engaging manner. Following each story are hands-on activities you can do at home, school, church, or in the community.
The art, science experiments, and STEM DIY projects help parents and children remember the scientific contributions of Black people. These activities were designed to keep your child’s interest and reinforce the main ideas of each story. Children of all learning styles, kinesthetic, auditory, and visual, will be engaged.
As an added bonus, you will see references to my son’s YouTube channel, Corban’s Fun Learning Adventures, after some of the stories. Here we share science experiments, DIY projects, and learning games for kids weekly.
My goal is that your child will be able to be at home or walk outside and pinpoint the contributions of Black people to our world. This connects with the philosophy that learning can take place anywhere.
I also want children get inspired by the information in the book and think of the infinite possibilities they have in life. I hope this book encourages children to be innovators and change our world for the better.
