Celebrating Positivity: February

Celebrating Positivity is a monthly post that suggests ideas for classroom activities related to Heritage Months, Famous Birthdays, and Positive Historical Events.

Embracing February in Your Classroom: Ideas for Heritage Months, Famous Birthdays, and Positive Historical Events

February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with opportunities to foster learning, celebrate diversity, and reflect on important moments in history. From Black History Month to famous birthdays and events that shaped the world, February offers a meaningful way to engage students in discussions on identity, resilience, and positive change. Here are some ways to make February memorable and impactful for your classroom:

Honoring Black History Month:

Celebrate African American Contributions and Achievements

Highlighting Key Figures and Movements: Share stories of trailblazers like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr. Use biographies, videos, or documentaries that spotlight their courage and dedication to justice.
Exploring the Harlem Renaissance: Introduce students to the vibrant art, music, and literature of the Harlem Renaissance, featuring artists like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington. Consider having students create their own art or poetry inspired by this influential period.
Unsung Heroes: Encourage students to research lesser-known Black history figures, like Claudette Colvin, Bayard Rustin, or Shirley Chisholm, and present their findings to the class. This activity can deepen understanding of diverse contributions to history.

Celebrating Famous Birthdays:

February 4: Rosa Parks – Honor Rosa Parks’ pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement by discussing her act of defiance on the Montgomery bus. Have students reflect on what courage means to them and write about a time they stood up for something important.
February 11: Thomas Edison – Discuss Edison’s contributions to science and innovation, emphasizing the importance of persistence and creativity. Engage students in a mini invention challenge, where they brainstorm solutions to everyday problems.
February 12: Abraham Lincoln – Explore Lincoln’s legacy and his leadership during a transformative time in American history. Have students write “letters to Lincoln” about their hopes for equality and justice today.
February 15: Susan B. Anthony – Celebrate Anthony’s role in the fight for women’s rights and voting rights. Encourage students to imagine a speech advocating for a cause they’re passionate about, inspired by her legacy.
February 27: John Steinbeck – Dive into Steinbeck’s powerful writing on American society, focusing on empathy and social justice. Read an excerpt from The Grapes of Wrath or Of Mice and Men, and discuss themes that remain relevant today.

Highlight Positive Historical Events:

February 1, 1960: Greensboro Sit-In – Teach about the Greensboro sit-in, when four Black students sat at a segregated lunch counter, igniting a wave of nonviolent protests. Have students role-play as journalists writing about the event to understand its impact.
February 3, 1870: 15th Amendment Ratified – Celebrate the ratification of the 15th Amendment, which granted African American men the right to vote. Discuss the significance of voting rights and consider hosting a classroom “voting day” on a school-related issue.
February 21, 1965: Malcolm X’s Legacy – Reflect on the life and influence of Malcolm X, focusing on his advocacy for Black empowerment and self-determination. Encourage students to analyze quotes from his speeches and discuss themes of identity and resilience.
February 23, 1868: W.E.B. Du Bois’s Birthday – Commemorate the life of W.E.B. Du Bois, a civil rights leader and founder of the NAACP. Engage students in discussing his concepts of “double consciousness” and how identity can shape one’s experiences.
February 28, 1984: First Black Astronaut in Space – Recognize Guion Bluford, the first Black astronaut in space. Inspire students with the story of his journey and the importance of representation in science. Consider a STEM activity where students design their own space mission or research careers in aerospace.

Observing Valentine’s Day (February 14) and Random Acts of Kindness Week:

Encouraging Kindness and Compassion in Your Classroom

Acts of Kindness Challenge: For Valentine’s Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week, challenge students to complete small acts of kindness for others. Create a “kindness wall” where students share their experiences.
Valentine’s Day Cards for the Community: Have students make homemade cards for local nursing homes, hospitals, or community helpers, spreading joy and appreciation to those who might need it most.
Kindness Journals: Encourage students to keep a kindness journal throughout the month, writing about moments when they practiced or witnessed kindness.

Exploring Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February):

Learning About Presidential Leadership and Legacy

Notable Presidents: Focus on impactful presidents like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Discuss their accomplishments and leadership qualities, and engage students in reflecting on what makes a good leader.
Imagining a Presidential Platform: Challenge students to imagine they are running for president and create a platform with their own policies. This activity can promote critical thinking about values and civic responsibility.
Diverse Perspectives on Presidential History: Discuss some lesser-known presidents or leaders who worked to shape the nation behind the scenes. This exploration can add depth to students’ understanding of leadership in history.

Observing Lunar New Year (Often in February):

Embracing Cultural Celebrations and Traditions

Learning About Lunar New Year Customs: Share the customs of Lunar New Year celebrated by communities in China, Vietnam, Korea, and beyond. Discuss traditions like red envelopes, dragon dances, and family gatherings.
Classroom Dragon Dance: Have students create paper dragons and host a mini “dragon dance” celebration, encouraging them to express themselves and understand the symbolic meanings behind the festivities.
Chinese Zodiac Exploration: Teach students about the Chinese zodiac and the significance of each animal. Ask them to research their own zodiac animals and learn about the characteristics associated with each one.

Conclusion:

February is a month brimming with opportunities to explore important themes like equality, resilience, and kindness. Through honoring Black History Month, celebrating notable figures, and learning about historical events, you can help students gain a greater understanding of their world and foster empathy, inclusivity, and hope. Embrace the potential of February to encourage meaningful learning, reflection, and a celebration of diversity in your classroom.

Here’s to an impactful and inspiring February in your classroom!