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February Morning Basket | Black History Month | Homeschool Theme

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February is a great time to incorporate the importance of Black History into your homeschool. During February I invite you to stuff your morning baskets to inspire learning, foster discussions about justice and equality, and celebrate influential bla...

 In 1926 the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History created “Negro History Week” during the second week of February as a way to recognize African Americans and their accomplishments. In 1976 President Gerald Ford extended “Negro History W... 

I encourage you to dive into the stories of these remarkable men and women, they will build empathy and understanding. You will be surprised at how introducing Black History will instill a sense of justice in your children for many years. Below I wil...
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Picture books

Picture books are a wonderful way to introduce complex subjects to children. Many authors craft their stories with passion and purpose, delivering powerful messages in an engaging and age-appropriate way that inspires young readers.

 
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Share the emotional journey of Henry "Box" Brown and his escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

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Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
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Explore themes of hope, friendship, and breaking down barriers.

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The Other Side
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Explain the historical significance of this song and how it guided enslaved people to freedom.

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Follow the Drinking Gourd
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Introduce young readers to Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden.

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Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
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📚 Chapter book | Read Aloud

 
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Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and aga...
Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman
 
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Why is the land so important to Cassie's family? It takes the events of one turbulent year—the year of the night riders and the burnings, the year a white girl humiliates Cassie in public simply because she is black—to show Cassie that having a place...
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Puffin Modern Classics)

Poetry

 
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I would encourage you to highlight the lyrical beauty and themes of hope and perseverance in Hughes’ work. You can incorporate daily poem readings and encourage your children to memorize a favorite poem to recite.

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The Dream Keeper and Other Poems
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Devotions

For devotionals I am focusing on scriptures that align with the themes of courage, freedom, and justice. 
Example verses: 
Micah 6:8 ("Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.") 
Galatians 5:1 ("It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.") 
Psalm 82:3-4 ("Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.")

 
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For a powerful addition to your Black History Month morning basket, consider this 30-day journal that encourages bold faith and resilience. Through daily biblical narratives and self-reflection prompts, it helps develop the courage to overcome fear a...

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Be Courageous Devotional Journal | Printable 30 Day Devotional Journal
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"Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."
Micah 6:8 NIV - He has shown you, O mortal, what is - Bible Gateway
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It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Galatians 5:1 NIV - Freedom in Christ - Bible Gateway
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Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Psalm 82:3-4 NIV - Defend the weak and the fatherless
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Memory Work

Encouraging children to memorize quotes and poems helps enhance language skills, foster critical thinking, express emotions, develop empathy, draw inspiration, and connect with remarkable role models.

 
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I let my children choose a quote that resonates with them from a person of history that they feel inspired by and connected to. This set of 22 inspirational voices pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of black icons throughout history.

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22 Black Icons Poster, Black History Month Poster For Classroom, Black History Month Bulletin Board, Classroom Printable
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Some easy ways I support my children in memory work is by having them copy the item they are memorizing in a journal, doing line reading together, fill in the blank worksheets, and having them keep a small journal like this to record the memory work ...

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6 Mini Marble Composition Notebooks, 4-1/2" x 3-1/4"
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Art Study

Integrating art appreciation into your homeschool opens the door to exploring diverse cultures and understanding art as a powerful form of expression. It encourages children to view the world from new perspectives and may even inspire them to express...

 
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We are going to focus on Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series: and introduce our children to the vibrant, narrative-driven style of Lawrence’s art. We will select one or two panels to discuss in detail, covering themes of resilience and community.

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Jacob Lawrence: The Migration Series
 
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I plan on including a hands-on activity, such as creating their own story through art using bold colors and shapes.

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10 Pcs White Poster Board 11.7x16.5 Inches
 
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I plan on including a hands-on activity, such as creating their own story through art using bold colors and shapes.

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Caliart Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colors & 12 Brushes

Hands on Learning

Incorporating hands-on activities into a morning basket offers numerous benefits for children’s learning and development. These activities enhance engagement, strengthen fine motor skills, create meaningful connections to the lessons, and provide a w...

 
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One option could be to create a "freedom quilt" this DIY tie knot quilt to discuss the role of quilts in guiding the Underground Railroad.

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Fun Express DIY Knot Tie Quilt for Kids - Includes 24 pre Cut Squares with Holes - DIY Crafts
 
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Another fun element could be to use fabric markers to decorate each square before adding it to your quilt.

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sunacme Fabric Markers Pen, 32 Colors Permanent Fabric Paint Pens for T-Shirt, Fine Tips Art Marker Set for Canvas Bags Hats Sneakers and Textiles
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You could build a simple constellation craft while learning about the "Drinking Gourd" and its significance.

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Fun Express Constellations Craft Kit - 450 Pieces - Educational and Learning Activities for Kids
 
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Consider creating a timeline to map key events and figures in Black history, connecting them to the stories read during the month.

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Blank History Timeline Book: Homeschool History Book of Centuries | Graph Paper Journal for Recording History Studies | Timeline book of World History | Create Your Own Record of History
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