The annual celebration of black history month each February has prompted the publication of a large body of materials to be used in homes and classrooms to enable students to appreciate the history of African Americans. One such book "A Kid's Guide to African American History", written by Nancy I. Sanders,and published by Chicago Review Press, provides not only the many important accomplishments of African Americans but also over 70 historically based activities.
African American history
The book begins with ancient Africa and continues through colonial times, the abolitionists, the civil war, the civil rights movement, and up to today's celebration of African American heritage, Kwanzaa. The pages contain boxed mini biographies of some famous African Americans (eg. Nat Turner, Sojourner Truth) and of the many who were left out of most history books (Robert Smalls, Martin Robinson Delany).
African American history through activities
The activities included making a bead necklace or a slave medallion, making a special drink for Juneteenth or peanut butter to honor George Washington Carver, or making instruments and singing songs to commemorate the many ways African Americans added rhythm to their music.
There is a timeline in the front of the book and a reading list for children and teacher resource website in the back of the book. It is an excellent resource that will add to any cultural awareness curriculum.
The book can be used with students from 1st to 6th grade and has a reading level from ages 9 to 12.
"A Guide to African American History" is available in Chicago at The Learning Tree info@thelearningtreechicago.com
To find and participate in black history events in Chicago go to http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/events.results/object_id/537293df-2a29-4cbe-9cb0-2ddfe6f929b1.cfm
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