What: Black History 365 Reading Challenge
When: February 1-28 (or anytime)
How: Free download
Why: Celebrate and Learn Black History
Each February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people in history during Black History Month. We're celebrating with a Reading Challenge perfect for learning Black History all year long!
Black History Month Background
In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognize the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. Few people studied Black history and it wasn't included in textbooks prior to the creation of Negro History Week.
The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. president Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States every February since. (via National Geographic Kids)
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black people and spread awareness to events that have been forgotten or erased from history books.
In previous years, we've participated in a Reading Blackout, committing to only reading and sharing books by Black authors and illustrators. This year, we'll be highlighting picture book biographies as a way to celebrate Black achievements in history. We've also created an easy and fun challenge for everyone to enjoy. We worked with several educators to create a simple, but impactful list of prompts for each of the 28 days of Black History Month.
Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history. – Carter G. Woodson
The Black History Reading Challenge is a fun way to celebrate Black History in February or any time of year. It features a wide variety of people and events and opportunities to read books by Black authors and illustrators.
PARTICIPATING IS EASY
Download the free printables
Read a book and color the printable each day
(Optional) Post your participation throughout the week and tag us for a chance to be featured on our social media pages
Each day during Black History Month, read a book that follows the theme of the day and color in one book until the whole printable is complete. If you want to skip around (for example read day 10 on day 3) feel free to do what works. Just be sure to mark it off the list so you'll know you've completed the task.
YOU MIGHT BE FEATURED ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES TOO!
1. SHARE A PICTURE of your family participating in the challenge (reading the book, singing lyrics, watching a video about one of the themes etc.) Share as much or as little of your child's face as you and your child feel comfortable. You may also simply share the book you're reading.
2. YOU MUST TAG US @helpingkidsrise for us to be able to find the post. You may post on Instagram or Facebook or both.
3. WE'LL SHARE POSTS AS WE COME ACROSS THEM.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS TOO!
For a limited time, we've included this VALUABLE interactive children's book recommendation guide with every download. But hurry, this FREE offer won't last long.
MORE RESOURCES
If you need book recommendations throughout the challenge, we've created several created lists in our online Bookshop store to assist you. No need to purchase all of the books though, simply keep these lists handy for your next visit to your local library as reminder of which books to pick up.
Here are a few of my book lists that might be helpful in choosing books: 28 Amazing Picture Book Biographies By Black Authors More Picture Book Biography Recommendations Children's Books By African American Authors/Illustrators
Children’s Books About Race, Racism, and Antiracism Muslim Themed Book Recommendations Women's History Picture Books for Kids
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