Unit 10 K-2: Learning Plan

Objectives

1. Students will be able to identify Carter G. Woodson as an important leader who worked to preserve Black history.
2. Students will be able to understand that learning about history helps us feel proud and inspires fairness.
3. Students will be able to participate in an activity to create their own mini-history books.

Teacher Background Knowledge

Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950), often called the “Father of Black History,” was a historian, author, and educator who founded Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. He believed that understanding Black history was essential for fostering pride and combating racism. Woodson wrote numerous books and articles to preserve African American stories and insisted that history should include all people. Teaching students about Woodson’s work helps them understand the importance of learning about the past to create a more inclusive and fair world.

This lesson introduces Carter G. Woodson’s contributions in an age-appropriate way, using the mini-history book activity to help students reflect on the value of storytelling and learning about history.

Materials

1. Chart paper or whiteboard for brainstorming.
2. Small blank booklets for each student to create a mini-history book.

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up: Why Do We Learn About History?
   1. Begin by asking, Why do we learn about the past?
      1. Write students’ ideas on the board
      2. Explain: Today, we will learn about a leader, Carter G. Woodson, who worked to make sure everyone knew how important Black history is.
2. Read-Aloud: Carter Reads the Newspaper
   1. Read the book aloud, pausing to highlight Carter G. Woodson’s love for learning and his efforts to teach Black history.
   2. Discussion Questions:
      1. Why did Carter think learning history was so important?
      2. How do you think it helps people to feel proud of their history?
3. Activity: Create a Mini-History Book
   1. Explain that Carter G. Woodson wanted people to write and share stories about important events and people from Black history.
      1. Show his photo and say, He made sure Black stories were taught in schools so everyone could feel proud and learn about fairness.
   2. Instructions:
      1. Give each student a blank booklet or folded sheets of paper.
      2. Ask them to create a mini-history book by drawing pictures of something they learned in the lesson
      3. Write or help them write simple captions like, “Carter read about Black history,” or “Sharing history helps people feel proud.”
   3. Sharing: Students share one page from their mini-history book with the class.
4. Reflection and Exit Ticket
   1. Class Discussion:
      1. “What did we learn about Carter G. Woodson today?”
      2. “Why is it important to learn about Black history?”
   2. Exit Ticket:
      1. Ask students to complete the sentence: “History is important because _______.”