As February begins, it provides an excellent opportunity for parents to introduce young children to the diverse and rich history of the Black community. Black History Month is celebrated in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two influential figures in African American history. It’s a time to commemorate the achievements, contributions, and culture of African Americans throughout history. By engaging in fun, age-appropriate activities with toddlers, we can set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and curiosity, understanding, and appreciation. And remember, these ideas can be used all year round, not just during the month of February.
Visit museums
Museums can provide a great way to introduce toddlers to history in an interactive and engaging way. While some museums might have exhibits suitable for older children and adults, there are several toddler-friendly options that cater to their curiosity and attention spans.Consider visiting children's museums that incorporate interactive exhibits. From Bronzeville Children’s Museum to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and The Wright, many offer hands-on activities, storytelling sessions, workshops, and displays that make learning fun for toddlers. Check your local museum or community centers for a calendar of free or affordable events.
Storytelling sessions
Toddlers love stories, and incorporating Black history narratives into their reading time can be both fun and educational. It's best to choose books that share the stories of Black heroes, leaders, and trailblazers. You can select books with colorful illustrations and simple language to keep your child engaged. After reading, you can initiate a discussion about the story to encourage your toddler to ask questions and share their thoughts. This interactive approach helps your child develop critical thinking skills and gain an early understanding of historical concepts. You can check out our previous blog for a comprehensive list of books to read with your little one.
Activities and games
Transform your toddler’s playtime and combine creativity with history. Engage your toddler’s creative side while introducing them to important historical figures. We have designed coloring sheets featuring influential Black leaders such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and more. Encourage your toddlers to explore their artistic abilities while learning about important historical figures. While your little ones work on their art pieces, take advantage of the opportunity to share facts about the person they are coloring. This will help them develop a connection between the activity and the historical context. Download free coloring pages.
If coloring is not your child’s thing, you can turn a classic game of Red Light, Green Light into a history lesson about Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the three-position traffic light. To play this game, choose one person to be the traffic light and have your child or group of friends stand at a starting line. The traffic light will shout “green light”, and the kids will run forward. When the traffic light shouts, “red light” the kids must immediately freeze. If anyone is caught moving on red, they will be sent back to the starting line. The first person to reach the traffic light wins the game.
Music and dance
Introduce toddlers to the vibrant and diverse world of Black music and dance. Play music from various genres, including jazz, blues, or gospel, and encourage toddlers to move and dance to the rhythm. Share simple facts about the history and cultural significance of each genre as you explore the musical journey together and talk to them about famous influential figures such as Buddy Bolden, the Father of Jazz, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, and Beyoncé to name a few. Incorporate dance activities that highlight traditional African dances or dances associated with historical events. This hands-on experience allows toddlers to connect joyfully and actively with the cultural aspects of Black history.
As we celebrate Black History Month at Doona, we’re fully dedicated to fostering cultural awareness and appreciation for the achievements of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to simplifying parenting extends to families of all backgrounds, and this is reflected in our innovative products such as the and Liki Trike. By creating safe, functional and versatile gear, we aim to provide every family with the tools they need for an enjoyable parenting journey.
