This lesson plan teaches students about Dorothy Pitman Hughes, a black human rights activist, feminist, and child-care advocate. First, students will read a short passage, and then they will answer questions about important details from the text. Created for first graders and second graders, this engaging lesson helps build students' vocabulary and informational writing skills.

This lesson plan teaches students about Jean-Michel Basquiat and his life as a child. First, students will listen to a story and figure out the main topic and details. Next, students will be asked to think deeply about what it means to be an artist and some of the types of art they like to create. Perfect for first graders and second graders, the lesson Black Artists: Basquiat highlights reading informational texts and building vocabulary.

This lesson, perfect for first and second grade learners, will help kids become environmental activists as they think of ways to help the Earth! First, students will brainstorm examples of what it means to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Next, students will partake in a creative art project where they trace their hands and think of way ways they can give the planet a hand. This engaging activity integrates creative writing skills and Earth science.

Inventors and their novel inventions are always a thrilling topic! In the lesson Researching Black Inventors, first graders and second graders are encouraged to research the rich history of African American inventors. This engaging lesson plan provides students with an opportunity to learn all about inventors they find interesting and the impact those inventors have on the world. Perfect for Black History Month, this learning activity highlights informational writing skills and helps build students' vocabulary.

Ask an important question this month: What does an activist do? This engaging lesson can be used leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day (and year-round). It supports students in understanding what it means to be an activist and how Martin Luther King Jr. used collaborative action to change the world and speak out against oppression. Perfect for first graders and second graders, this activity explores word meaning and other reading and writing skills.

Use this lesson to give your students an opportunity to learn about winter holidays that are celebrated all over the world. Learners will utilize a graphic organizer to guide their research of their chosen or assigned holiday. Then, they will share what they learned with their peers. Your students will hone their research skills by using the internet, books, or other available research materials, and they will practice their speaking and listening skills when they share the interesting facts and details they found. Designed for a second through fifth grade reading and writing curriculum, your learners will enjoy learning about some of the many holidays that are celebrated around the world.