Monday, January 25, 2016

Celebrating Black History
Helpteaching.com

 Kindergarten – 2nd grade

At this level, focus on poems and picture books. It’s never too early to introduce children to the poetry of one of the most well-known African-American poets, Langston Hughes, or newer poets such as Nikki Giovanni. Start with a few of these texts:
  • April Rain Song by Langton Hughes 
  • Covers by Nikki Giovanni 
  • Laughing Boy by Richard Wright 
  • The Flower Garden by Eve Bunting 
  • The Hat that Wore Clara B. by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt 
  • Ruby and the Booker Boys by Derrick Barnes 

3rd grade – 5th grade

Kids in upper elementary school can start to read short biographies of famous African-Americans. They will also appreciate short stories and novels that focus on African-American history and start to subtly tackle controversial issues. Consider some of the following pieces:
  • Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis 
  • Hip Hop Speaks to Children by Nikki Giovanni
  • Mariah Keeps Cool by Mildred Walter 
  • Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe 
  • The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles 
  • Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs Series by Sharon Draper 

6th grade – 8th grade

In middle school, as kids begin to work out their own identities, they begin to resonate with the stories of others seeking to find themselves. At this stage, introduce them to novels, poems and informational texts that feature issues they can relate to and that help expand their worldview. Great works to begin with include:
  • The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton 
  • Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson 
  • Fast Sam, Cool Clyde and Stuff by Walter Dean Myers 
  • Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor 
  • Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis 
  • Hoops by Walter Dean Myers 

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