Everyday Ways To Teach Black History: LEGO Sets
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When I first started Black History is American History, I wanted to make sure that the curriculum used more than books to engage our children in learning about different topics. I challenged myself to come up with ideas that incorporated everyday toys. From games to Play-Doh to LEGO sets, teaching children about Black History is no different than introducing them to other school subjects. You just have to find a way to engage them.
This month, I’m going to share a few everyday ways to incorporate Black History lessons into your everyday life. First up, LEGO Sets. Like many kids his age, Sesame is really into LEGO SETS. He’s been playing with them since he was 3 and has become quite the architect.
Without further adieu, here are three topics that you can use LEGO sets discuss Black History.
Aviation – Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman was the first Black woman to receive a commercial pilot’s license. I introduced Sesame to Bessie Coleman last year during Women’s History Month. While he worked on building his very first LEGO airplane, I read him Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Coleman and we discussed her contributions to Black History.
NASA – Mae Jemison
If you’ve followed Mamademics for a while, you know that Sesame is really into astronomy and learning about space. I’ve used lots of different books and activities to both encourage his love of astronomy but also to introduce him to people who look like him in the field. The most recent item I used was his Women of Nasa LEGO set.
If you can’t find the Women of NASA LEGO set, you can use the LEGO Creator Space Shuttle set instead.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott
I’ve briefly talked to Sesame about the Montgomery Bus Boycott during a visit to the Henry Ford Museum a few summers ago. This year I plan to go a little further teaching him about the boycott and the history of segregation in this country.
I’ll be using the following LEGO Set as well as some of his mini-figures to help him understand. While he builds, I’ll read him I Am Rosa Parks and prepare myself for answering the hard questions he’ll have.
Which set do you plan to use first?
If you’re looking for more ways to teach your children about Black History, be sure to check out Black History is American History and purchase the curriculum for your children 6 and under.