Learning about Black History Month with your foster children
Each year at FCA we celebrate Black History Month to recognise the achievements, history and experiences of people with black heritage. Celebrating Black History Month is important for children of all ages and all backgrounds, though you may wonder how to teach such a complex topic to younger children.
Celebrating black identity
When talking about diversity with younger children, we may be inclined to take a simplistic approach, emphasising that we are ‘all the same.’ Though it’s wonderful to celebrate what unifies us, it’s also important for children to be able to understand and celebrate the things which make us different. Claudia, one of our foster mums, explains the importance of acknowledging our cultural differences.
To not see a person’s colour is to not see them at all,’ she explains. ‘Cultural sensitivity is seeing a person for who they are and what they stand for. Recognising all of them and their differences, from food intolerances to hair types to interests.
When talking to young children about Black History Month, rather than only celebrating the things which make us similar, we should also teach children how wonderful it is that we all have our own unique identities, cultures, and family backgrounds, as well as teaching them to empathise with the experiences of others.
Learning about Black History Month with young children
We’ve put together a range of activities and resources below which you can use to help teach young children about Black History Month. You could also check out our guidance on how to talk to your foster children about complex topics such as ethnicity and cultural differences. We also recommend this fantastic guide by The Social Work Teaching Partnership on how teach young children about race and ethnicity.
Involve your senses
Sensory experiences are fantastic for helping young children to learn and understand the world around them. Here are some ideas for activities you and the children in your care could enjoy together during Black History Month.
- Taste and Smell: Experience and celebrate black culture by enjoying some delicious foods from different cultures. For example, you could set a challenge together as a family to cook a new Jamaican dish one day a week throughout Black History Month, experiencing delicious foods such as fried plantain, festival, curry goat, or ackee and saltfish.
- Sound: You could host an at-home dance party with your little ones listening to heart-thumping music styles, such as Gnawa or Calypso, while teaching about their rich histories within the black community. If modern music is more your style, there are many incredible genres pioneered by black artists to choose from, including jungle, two-tone and R&B.
- Sight and touch: Colouring pages are widely available online to print from home and can be a great way of teaching children about black history. You could also support black artists by purchasing a colouring book such as ‘The Black History Colouring Book’ by Marcus Albert-Steven, which gives children five key facts about each person whose story they’ll explore while colouring in their picture.
We’re especially fond of the ‘I am…’ series of colouring books by Aaliyah Wilson, created especially for black girls and women, which encourage self-love, confidence and embracing natural beauty.
Share uplifting stories
Diverse story books
Books of all kinds are an incredible way to entertain, teach and get kids to think about the world they live in.
Below we’re sharing some of our favourite book recommendations for Black History Month and beyond…
No Matter What, We All Belong
By Becky Davies
Reading age: 0-3 years
This simple rhyming book is the perfect introduction to diversity for little ones, teaching that everyone is different, and our differences make us special.
Coco Loves her Curly Hair
by Coleen Dixon
Reading age: 2-8 years
A celebration of the beauty, uniqueness and cultural importance of black hair.
The ‘Rastamouse’ series
By Michael De Souza
Reading age: 3-5 years
These charming books tell the adventures of Rastamouse and his crime-fighting band of musician friends. The series is a great way of introducing children to Jamaican patois and is sure to be beloved by children who are already familiar with the language.
My First Heroes: Black History
By Campbell books
Reading age: 3-5 years
Introduces little ones to inspiring black figures from past and present including Rosa Parks, Stormzy and Maya Angelou.
The Same but Different
By Molly Potter
Reading age: 5-7 years
This book is a great introduction to diversity for young children, celebrating the ways in which we are similar, and the wonderful ways in which we are different.
Black Boy Magic
By Tex Stanly
Reading age: 9-12 years
This empowering book celebrates young black boys and encourages them to believe in their abilities and chase their dreams.
Diverse cartoons
Diversity in the media a child consumes, such as books and cartoons, is a great way of teaching children about diversity and ensuring that they see themselves reflected in the media they watch. In recent years some of the most popular children’s cartoons have starred characters from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. We recommend:
- ‘Pickle Storm’
This brand-new BBC series follows the adventures of Pickle, a little girl with magical powers, as she and her family flee from their magical kingdom and try to adjust to life as refugees in a dreary UK town.
- ‘Doc McStuffins’
Our protagonist Dottie follows in her mum’s footsteps, learning to be a doctor as she fixes broken teddies and toys.
- ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’
Gabby shares adventures in her magical dollhouse with a host of adorable cat-themed friends, including Pandy-Paws and DJ Catnip.
- ‘Motown Magic’
This Netflix show filled with familiar musical hits tells the story of Ben, a young boy who brings colour and life to the streets of his hometown with the help of a magical paintbrush.
- ‘JoJo and Gran-Gran’
Little JoJo enjoys all kinds of fun with her adventurous Grandma, as she learns lessons about life, love and family.
Celebrate diversity everyday
Though we may celebrate Black History Month each October here in the UK, celebrating black identity and encouraging children to understand their cultural identity and those of others is important every single day.
Up and down the country, there’s a real need for more BAME foster parents and foster parents who are willing to develop a deep understanding of the needs of children whose backgrounds differ from their own. As a foster parent with FCA you’ll receive tailored 24/7 support and will have the incredible opportunity to make a real change to the lives of children who are in need of loving, dedicated care.
If you think you could foster, contact us today on 0800 023 4561 or by filling out our enquiry form. We’re waiting to hear from you to help you get started on your fostering journey.
