Honoring Black History Month
Introducing Cultural Diversity to Little Ones
As parents, we are all trying hard to raise our children with a positive sense of identity while also instilling in them qualities like kindness and empathy. This is especially important when we see a lack of understanding and tolerance around us. The only way to counter this is by teaching our children about cultural diversity from a young age.
With February being Black History Month, we are offered a really great reminder to check in with ourselves. To assess our efforts with our kids and make improvements where necessary. But this isn't just about February. Research in early childhood development shows that exposure to diversity from the very beginning shapes how children understand themselves and others throughout their lives.
I don’t blame you if you think your kid might not be ready for this information. Parents often avoid conversations they worry their children won't fully understand. But this does not have to be a heavy topic. Depending on your child’s age, it can be as simple as the books we read, the music we listen to, the dolls they play with, or the conversations we have.
As therapists and caregivers at Early Childhood Partners in Practice, we work with children from birth to 8 years old and do our best to weave diversity and representation into our everyday interactions with them. These early experiences matter deeply because they influence how children perceive difference, develop their own sense of identity, and build social-emotional skills.
In honor of Black History Month we are sharing with our parents some practical and age-appropriate learning you can try at home.
Cultural Exposure: Infants & Toddlers (Birth to 2 Years)
From birth our children are taking in everything around them. Babies notice faces, and by 6 months they can distinguish between different racial features. By their first birthday, they're beginning to show preferences based on familiarity. This is why representation from the very start matters so much. It shapes what feels familiar and normal to developing minds.
Activities for This Age
Board books with diverse faces: Choose high-contrast board books featuring Black babies and families. Titles like "Baby Faces" by Margaret Miller or "Let's Play" by Leo Lionni show diverse children in everyday moments. Point to faces, name emotions, and let even the tiniest readers see themselves and others reflected on the page.
Diverse dolls and figures: Include baby dolls with various skin tones in your play area. Watch how toddlers care for them. This simple play builds empathy and normalizes diversity from the very beginning.
Music and movement: Introduce different musical styles during playtime. Play jazz, gospel, reggae, or African rhythms during tummy time or dance parties. Music is a universal language that toddlers respond to instinctively, and exposure to diverse sounds enriches their sensory world.
Mirror play with photos: Create a photo board at floor level with pictures of diverse families, including Black children and families. During mirror play, point to photos and describe what you see: "Look at this baby! She has beautiful brown skin and curly hair, just like you!"
Therapeutic Benefits
These simple exposures support healthy identity formation for Black children who see themselves reflected, and they normalize diversity for all children. Research shows that children who grow up with diverse representation are more likely to develop positive attitudes toward people of all backgrounds.
Positive Racial Identity: Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
Preschoolers are concrete thinkers who are actively categorizing their world. They notice differences in skin color, hair texture, and physical features, and they're curious about them. This is the age when children start to ask direct questions about race and that's healthy and normal. They're also developing their sense of fairness and can begin to understand that people deserve to be treated with kindness regardless of how they look.
Activities for This Age
Interactive read-alouds: Choose picture books with Black protagonists and authentic illustrations. Some favorites include "Hair Love" by Matthew Cherry, "I Am Enough" by Grace Byers, "The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz, and "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold. After reading, ask open-ended questions: "How do you think she felt when that happened?" "What do you notice about this family?"
Art exploration: Provide multicultural crayons, markers, and paints so children can accurately represent diverse skin tones in their artwork. Create self-portraits and celebrate the beautiful variety of colors in your classroom or playroom. You might also explore the work of Black artists like Jacob Lawrence or Faith Ringgold and try creating art in similar styles.
Dramatic play: Stock your dramatic play area with diverse dress-up clothes, including items that represent various cultural traditions. Include dolls, action figures, and pretend play sets that show diversity. This allows children to explore different identities and experiences through play.
Simple introductions to notable figures: Tell age-appropriate stories about people like Ruby Bridges (a brave girl who went to school), Mae Jemison (an astronaut who explored space), or Garrett Morgan (an inventor who created the traffic light). Keep it concrete and relatable: "Ruby was just a little girl like you when she did something very brave..."
Music and movement: Learn simple songs from different cultures, explore instruments from Africa and the African diaspora, or have dance parties featuring various musical styles. Movement activities help preschoolers connect physically with cultural experiences.
How This Supports Development
These activities strengthen language development as children discuss what they notice and wonder about. They support social-emotional growth by introducing concepts of fairness, kindness, and empathy. And critically, they help Black children develop positive racial identity while teaching all children to value diversity.
Social-Emotional Development: Elementary (6-8 Years)
Early elementary students are developing more sophisticated thinking skills. They can understand historical sequencing, cause and effect, and moral reasoning. They're also increasingly aware of social dynamics and fairness. This is an ideal time to introduce more complex stories of courage, justice, and achievement while still keeping content age-appropriate and hopeful.
Activities for This Age
Chapter books and biographies: Introduce age-appropriate biographies of figures like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, or Katherine Johnson. Look for books that show these individuals as real people with feelings, challenges, and determination. Series like "Who Was...?" or "Ordinary People Change the World" are perfect for this age.
Simple research projects: Let children choose a Black inventor, scientist, artist, or leader to learn about. They might create a poster, write a short report, or present what they learned to the class. This builds research skills while celebrating contributions to society.
Virtual field trips: Take advantage of online resources. Many museums offer virtual tours of exhibits on African American history and culture. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, for example, has excellent online resources designed for children.
Creative writing and expression: Prompt journaling with questions like "If you could meet Ruby Bridges, what would you ask her?" or "Write about a time you were brave like Harriet Tubman." This helps children make personal connections to historical figures.
Community connections: If possible, arrange for children to hear from local community members, or explore Black-owned businesses in your area. Learning that Black history is also present-day Black excellence helps children see the ongoing contributions and vibrancy of Black communities.
Service learning: Inspired by civil rights leaders, engage children in age-appropriate service projects. This might be collecting items for a community organization, writing kind notes to neighbors, or learning about standing up for what's right in their own school community.
Supporting Critical Thinking and Empathy
At this age, children can begin to grapple with harder truths about history while still being developmentally protected from traumatic details. They can understand that some people were treated unfairly, and that brave people worked to change unjust laws. These conversations build critical thinking, moral reasoning, and deep empathy. All crucial components of social-emotional development.
Black History Education: Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Make It Ongoing, Not Just February
Black history is American history. It deserves space in our conversations, bookshelves, and activities all year long. Use February as a launching point, but don't pack everything away on March 1st. Keep diverse books in regular rotation. Continue celebrating Black artists, scientists, and leaders whenever you encounter their work.
Answer Questions Honestly and Age-Appropriately
When children ask about skin color or race, don't shush them or change the subject. Their curiosity is normal and healthy. Answer simply and truthfully: "Yes, people have different skin colors, and that's because of something called melanin. Isn't it wonderful how we all look different?" For harder questions about discrimination or slavery, keep answers honest but appropriate: "A long time ago, some people made very unfair rules that hurt people with brown skin. Many brave people worked hard to change those rules, and we're still working to make sure everyone is treated fairly today."
Check Your Own Comfort Level
Many adults feel nervous talking about race with children, especially if they didn't grow up having these conversations themselves. That's okay. It's normal to feel uncertain. But our discomfort shouldn't prevent children from getting the information and representation they need. Read, learn, and practice. The more you engage with these topics yourself, the more natural these conversations will become.
Seek Authentic Resources
When possible, choose books written by Black authors and illustrated by Black artists. Look for stories that show Black children and families in everyday moments of joy, not just stories about struggle or history. Children of all backgrounds need to see Black people as scientists, artists, families, adventurers, and everyday heroes, not just as historical figures defined by oppression.
Be Mindful of Tokenism
One diverse book on the shelf isn't enough. One Black doll in a sea of white dolls sends a message too. Representation should be woven throughout the environment, not treated as a special addition. Aim for your materials, books, music, and images to authentically reflect the diversity of our world.
Moving Forward Together
Introducing Black history to young children should be intentional. It's about recognizing that the stories we tell, the images we show, and the conversations we have all shape how children see themselves and others. When we commit to representation and honest, age-appropriate conversations about diversity and justice, we're doing essential therapeutic work. We're supporting healthy identity development for Black children who deserve to see themselves as brilliant, beautiful, and valued. We're teaching all children to appreciate diversity and stand up for fairness.
If there is any way that we can assist you in your efforts, or help with challenges that your little one may be facing, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to find out more about how we can help. Contact Us
Additional Recommended Resources
Books by Age Group
Infants & Toddlers:
"Baby Faces" by Margaret Miller
"Global Babies" by The Global Fund for Children
"Black Is a Rainbow Color" by Angela Joy
"Shades of People" by Sheila M. Kelly
Preschool (3-5 Years):
"Hair Love" by Matthew A. Cherry
"I Am Enough" by Grace Byers
"The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz
"All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold
"Sulwe" by Lupita Nyong'o
"The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson
Early Elementary (6-8 Years):
"The Undefeated" by Kwame Alexander
"Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly
"Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" by Vashti Harrison
"The Youngest Marcher" by Cynthia Levinson
"Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality" (for context on fighting for fairness)
"Who Was...?" series biographies of Black leaders and changemakers
Music and Movement Resources
"Putumayo Kids" music collections featuring African and African diaspora music
"Jazz for Kids" playlists featuring Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington
Spotify or YouTube playlists: "Black History Month Kids" or "African Music for Children"
Websites and Online Resources
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (nmaahc.si.edu) - offers virtual tours and educational resources
PBS Kids - Black History Month resources and videos
Teaching Tolerance (Learning for Justice) - free, high-quality resources for talking about race and diversity with children
Embracerace.org - excellent guides for parents and educators on talking about race with young children
Local Resources
Check your local library for special Black History Month storytimes and events
Visit local cultural centers, African American museums, or historical sites
Explore Black-owned bookstores in your area (many offer online ordering and curated children's collections)
Look for community events celebrating Black culture, from Kwanzaa celebrations to Juneteenth festivals
What do you plan to try first?
