Meaningful Black History Month Activities for Upper Elementary Students

Black History Month is an important opportunity to move beyond surface-level lessons and help students truly understand the people, stories, and impact of African Americans throughout history. For upper elementary students (grades 3-5), the goal is to balance age-appropriate content with depth, critical thinking, and reflection. 

One of the most effective ways to do this is through Black History comprehension passages paired with reflection activities and biography writing booklets. This combination allows students to read, analyze, and then apply their learning by writing about a famous African Americans in their own words. 

Below you will hear how this approach creates meaningful learning -- and how you can use it in your classroom. 

Why Comprehension + Writing Works for Black History Month

Upper elementary students are developmentally ready to: 

• Analyze nonfiction text
• Identify main ideas and key details
• Reflect on character traits and challenges
• Make connections between past and present

 Using Black History reading passages grounds students in facts, while writing booklets help them process and synthesize information in a meaningful way. 

This structure supports:

• Reading comprehension standards
• Informational writing skills
• Social studies content knowledge
• Culturally responsive teaching

Activity 1: Black History Comprehension Passages with Purpose

Start with focused, student-friendly comprehension passages about famous African Americans. Each passage highlights:

• Early life and background
• Major accomplishments
• Obstacles or challenges faced
• Lasting impact on society

Pair passages with thoughtful questions such as:

• What challenges did this person overcome?
• Why is this person remembered today?
• How did their actions help others?

These questions encourage students to move beyond beyond facts and into critical thinking and discussion. 

Activity 2: Biography Writing Booklets

After reading, responding, and discussing students transition into writing by completing a  biography booklet of their own. This step is key for deeper learning.

A strong upper-elementary biography booklet includes:

• A title page with the person's name
• All About
• Early Life section
• Famous For (Why this person matters today)
• Fun Facts
• Timeline

This structure helps students organize their thoughts while practicing informational writing in a manageable, engaging format.

Activity 3: Student Choice for Deeper Engagement

Whenever possible allow students to choose which famous African American they want to write about. Choice increases motivation and ownership while allowing for differentiation. 

You can:

• Provide several comprehension passages and let students select one
• Assign different figures to small groups
• Rotate passages through literacy centers

This flexibility makes the activities easy to use in whole-group lessons, small groups or independent work. 

Activity 4: Meaningful Reflection (Not Just a Final Product)

To keep Black History Month meaningful, include time for reflection. Encourage students to think about: 

• How this person's life connects to fairness, perseverance, or leadership 
• What lessons we can learn today
• How change can start with one person

These reflections can be written, discussed, or shared in partner conversations.

Why This Works for Teachers

This type of Black History Month resource:

• Saves prep time
• Aligns with reading and writing standards
• Works across multiple grade levels
• Encourages respectful, meaningful learning
• Goes beyond crafts or worksheets

Most importantly, it helps students see African American history as an essential part of American history, not a side topic.

Final Thoughts

Using Black History comprehension passages paired with biography writing booklets allows upper elementary students to read, think, write, and reflect in purposeful ways. These activities create lasting understanding while honoring the lives and contributions of famous African Americans. 

When students can explain who someone was, what they accomplished, and why they matter, Black History Month becomes more than a unit --it becomes meaningful learning. 

Ready to make Black History Month meaningful and manageable in your classroom? 

This set of Black History comprehension passages and biography writing booklets gives your upper elementary students the structure they need to read deeply, think critically, and write with purpose --without adding extra prep to your plate. Perfect for grades 3-5 (I have even used it with second graders), these activities work seamlessly for whole-group lessons, small groups, literacy centers, or independent work. 

Click here to grab the resource and bring purposeful Black History learning into your classroom today. 

Save big with the classroom bundle and allow for student choice!

African Americans Included:

• Martin Luther King Jr. 
• Lydia Newman
• Dr. Daniel Hale Williams
• Bessie Coleman
• Rosa Parks
• Mary Jane Mcleod Bethune
• Dr. Charles Drew
• Garrett Morgan
• Harriett Tubman

Your students will build reading and writing skills while honoring the stories and contributions of influential African Americans --and you'll feel confident knowing your lessons go beyond worksheets and truly matter. 

 

15 Indoor Recess Ideas that Save Your Sanity

When the weather is nasty and the gym is off limits, what's a teacher to do? Indoor recess is not ideal, but you can still salvage the fun if you get creative. Having some games and activities up your sleeve can save your sanity when the weather does not cooperate. Here are some great ideas that can be used with minimal supplies. 

1. Silent Speed Ball

Use a foam ball for this one. Count down from 10 to 0 and everyone must be in a different spot in the classroom. They should not be hidden behind something. They cannot  talk at all during the game or they are out. In this game, students must always keep one foot in its original place. They can move one foot and put it back and then can move the other. If they move out of their place, they are out. The ball is given to one student who will attempt to throw it at another student. If it hits the other student, that student sits down where they are, and they are out. If the student misses, the student who throws the ball is out and must sit down. If the student throws the ball and the other student catches it, the student who threw it is out. So with each throw someone will get out. The student who ends up with the ball will throw it at another player and continue to do this until one one player is standing. If needed, a student may move from their spot to retrieve the ball and then return to their spot where play continues. Students who are sitting down may try to get another player to talk to them, getting them out. Last player still standing wins. 

2. Four Corners

Number each corner from one to four (you can just do this verbally and do not need a sign). One person will be it and will close their eyes. They will count from 10 to zero. As the student is counting down, the other players must find a corner to stand in. If they are not in a corner by the time zero is reached, they will be out. The "it" will call out a number from 1-4 and whichever corner is called out, those players in that corner are out and must return to their seats. Continue recounting and playing until four players are left. At that time, announce that each player must be in a separate corner. If a corner is empty at any time, announce it for the "it" so they do not call that corner. This will help each round to go faster by getting someone out. When one player is left, they are the winner and the next "it."

3. Heads Up 7 Up

Choose 7 students to be it. For small classes, you can choose less. Everyone else will put their heads on their desks and their thumbs up. The students who have been chosen to be it will each go and tap one person, but they should each tap a different person. Any player who has their thumb up, and gets tapped, must put their thumb down as a signal that they have already been tapped. As players are finished tapping, they will come to the front of the class. Once all the students who are it at are the front, announce, "Head's up seven up!" The other players will lift their heads and stand up if they were tapped. They will take turns guessing who tapped them. The players who are it will not say yes or no. After everyone guesses, allow the players who are it to reveal who they tapped one at a time. If anyone guesses correctly, they can switch places with the player who is it for the next round.   

4. Charades

Charades are always fun. You can do any type of Charade you choose, but here's some ideas to get you started: 

animals, students, popular shows,  or Bible stories (Christian schools)

5. Simon Says

One person is Simon. They will call out things such as, Touch your nose. Stand on one foot, etc. If they say, "Simon says Touch your nose," everyone should do it, or they are out. If they give a direction without saying, "Simon says," the other players should avoid doing it, or they are out. 

 
6. Guess My object (Mystery Bag)

One student will place an item inside a bag. The student will give clues to their classmates about the object. Students will make guesses about what is inside. I would suggest giving a certain amount of guesses like 10 or 20. If no one guesses it in that amount of time, the student will reveal what their item was and choose another player to go next. If someone guesses the item, they will be the next player to go. 

 

7. What Changed

One student will be chosen to be it. They will slowly spin around in front of the class to allow the other students to look at them. Then the student will step out of the classroom. They will change one thing about themselves. For example, they may roll down one sock, lift up their collar, or part their hair differently. When they come back inside the classroom, they will again slowly turn around to allow the others to try to figure out what changed. Students should raise their hands to guess what changed. If they guess correctly, they are the next one to be it. 

8. Higher Lower 

One person will choose a number from one to 100. Students try to guess the number as quickly as possible. Students will ask questions like is it higher than 40? Or is it lower than 20? Keep taking guesses until someone figures out the number. Whoever figures it out first is the next person to choose a number for the others to guess. 

9. Stations building, puzzles, etc. 

Some fun things to add to this station are things like Magna Tiles, Play-Doh, and 100 piece puzzles. 

10. Board Games

Find some fun board games like Sorry, Checkers, or Candyland. You can find cheap ones at thrift stores like Goodwill. 

11. Hot potato

You can use a ball to play this game. Students sit in a circle and pass the ball to the person on their left. Continue passing the ball while students chant, "Hot potato, hot potato, who has the hot potato? If you have the hot potato, you are O-U-T, out!" At that point, whoever has the ball is out. They slide out of the circle and play continues with the chant again. Continue until only one player is left. They are the winner. 

12. I-Spy

One player will look around the classroom and mentally take note of one item. They will say, "I spy with my little eye something...." (and will give a clue such as "blue"). Other students will guess until someone figures it out. They will become the next it. 

13. Cup Stacking Challenge

Get a stack of cups. Allow students to build towers with them. They could divide into two teams and race to add some more fun. 

14. Whiteboard Games

Games such as Pictionary (drawing pictures of certain objects for others to guess) or Hangman can be a lot of fun in teams or a large group.

15. Directed Drawing

Here's one more fun one! If you have students who love to draw, turn on some directed drawings and let them follow along as a master artist shows step-by-step how to draw some amazing pictures. My favorite place to look is Art for Kids Hub. I use this sometimes for class art projects. 

If you have any additional ideas for indoor recess, comment below. 

Football Reading Comprehension Wreath Craft: A Fun, Hands-On Literacy Activity for your Classroom

Looking for a fun, engaging way to boost reading comprehension while keeping your students motivated? This football-themed reading comprehension wreath craft is the perfect blend of literacy, creativity, and seasonal excitement - making it a favorite for both teachers and students. 

Whether you are celebrating football season, planning a Super Bowl classroom activity, or simply trying to add more hands-on learning to your literacy block, this craft helps students interact with texts in a meaningful way - not just answer questions and move on. 

Why Teachers Love Football-Themed Reading Activities

Seasonal themes make learning feel special. When students see something familiar and exciting, like football, they instantly feel more connected to the activity. 

This football reading comprehension craft: 

• Keeps students engaged
• Encourages deeper thinking about texts
• Provides a visual representation of understanding
• Works as a bulletin board display
• Supports multiple learning styles

Instead of just throwing out another worksheet, students build their comprehension, piece by piece, using this interactive wreath.

What is the Football Reading Comprehension Wreath Craft?

This craft allows students to respond to a reading passage, book, or story by completing structured prompts (from a menu of choices) and assembling them into a football-themed wreath craft. 

Each piece of the wreath represents a different reading skill such as:

• Character
• Setting
• Problem/Solution
• Text Connections
• Favorite Part

Once assembled, students have a visual summary of their thinking - and teachers have an instant comprehension check. 

Perfect for so Many Classroom Uses

This football literacy craft is extremely versatile. Teachers can use it for:

• Football-themed reading centers
• Small group instruction
• Whole-class novel studies
• Independent reading responses
• Book reports
• Earlier finisher activities
• Bulletin board displays
• Hallway showcases
• Super Bowl week lessons

It works especially well for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, but can easily be adapted up or down, depending on the needs of your students. 

Why Crafts Improve Reading Comprehension

Craft-based literacy activities aren't just "fun extras" - they are powerful learning tools. 

This interactive reading comprehension craft helps students:

• Slow down and reflect on the text
• Organize their thinking
• Use academic language
• Make text based connections
• Stay motivated longer

Students are much more likely to engage with comprehension questions when they know they are building something meaningful. 

Easy Prep for Busy Teachers

One of the best parts? This football reading craft is designed to be print-and-go. 

Just get started by following these steps: 

1. Print the template for each student
2. Assign, or read aloud, a short story
3. Let students respond and assemble

No more complicated materials. No stress. Teachers will love that this activity feels special without all the hours of prep. 

Makes the Perfect Bulletin Board

Once they are finished, these wreaths make stunning classroom displays. They are colorful, personal, and full of student thinking. Try pairing them with a fun heading such as: 

• Touchdown Reading!
• We're Scoring Big in Comprehension
• Reading Champions
• Game on, Readers!

Your classroom will feel festive, purposeful, and student centered. 

Great for Differentiation

This football craft can be easily differentiated: 

• Give easier prompts to struggling readers
• Use sentence starters with emerging writers
• Open-ended responses for advanced students

You can also assign different texts to different groups and still use the same craft structure.

A meaningful alternative to traditional worksheets

If you're tired of students rushing through comprehension worksheets, this football reading response craft gives them a reason to slow down and think. 

Students are not just answering a set of questions, they are creating something meaningful along the way. 

And the best part is, they're proud to show it off!

Want to Try it in Your Classroom? 

If you are looking for a football-themed reading comprehension activity that is:

• Hands-on
• Engaging
• Low prep
• Visually appealing
• Educationally meaningful

...this wreath craft might be exactly what you need. It is a simple way to make literacy fun while still targeting essential comprehension skills. 

You can find this printable activity in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop. It has clear instructions, student-friendly templates, and easy classroom implementation. 

If football season brings extra energy to your classroom, this is a great way to channel that excitement into purposeful literacy learning. 

Get it right here.

Looking for some more football fun for the classroom? Check out these other blog posts below for more!

Math Block: Football Season Classroom Fun

Football Room Transformation

Math Block: The Best of the Best Engaging Math Activities

My All-Time Favorite Valentine's Day Book

There are books that I come back to again and again. And this one, for Valentine's Day, is always at the top of my list. It's called Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch". I discovered this gem years and years ago and I have used it ever since. 

This book has a message kids need, something to inspire them to be better and do better. To look for the lonely. To show kindness to the overlooked. It. Is. Perfect. 

. 

Mr. Hatch was all alone. He kept to himself and followed his routine each day, never veering from it....until one day the post man makes an unusual delivery to Mr. Hatch's home one afternoon. And that is when everything changes. The delivery was an enormous heart-shaped box of candy. There was a note that fell from the box that said, "Somebody loves you!" The note changed everything. He started taking extra care of himself in case he met his secret admirer. He started to change his routine, to smile more and be friendly and helpful to everyone he met. Everyone in town noticed Mr. Hatch had changed and they changed toward him too. The whole town fell in love with Mr. Hatch until....

Well, I better not give away the ending away. But you will just have to pick up the book and find out the ending. You can find the book over here.

Low-Cost January Teaching Resources

Today I want to share some of my favorite ways to kick off the new year with low-cost resources that are not only engaging but fun. 

1. Reading Comprehension

I LOVE teaching the history behind the holidays. A few years ago, I created this resource for New Year's. It goes through some of the traditions that we celebrate at New Year's. It covers traditions such as the first and last countries to celebrate New Year's each year. Students learn about the ball drop tradition in Times Square. they learn about the song Auld Lang Syne, and many more traditions. This resource is packed full of 7 reading passages with comprehension sheets and several extension activities as well, including creating a time capsule. If you love history as much as I do, then you should definitely check this one out.  Find it here.

2. Paired Reading

I love paired reading books for not just reading comprehension strategies, but also for the opportunity to dig into a compare and contrast between two stories that have a common theme. In this case, the theme is music. These two books are a wonderful way to help students learn about the classics and composers too. 

One of the important reading skills we work on with these books is cause and effect and a goal setting activity for the new year. 

There are 12 full lesson plans that can last you for over two weeks! Even if you do not own these books you can get them at the library or even on YouTube! Check out this resource over here.

3. Teambuilding

After a long break, it is great to focus on teambuilding again. One way I like to do this is through an art challenge. Students are placed in teams and given art challenges to complete. They have a certain amount of time to work on each challenge, and just like in the cooking show, Chopped, students get a bag of supplies to work from...each group gets the same supplies. After the time is up, students present their art to the entire class and receive points. After three rounds (which I suggest doing on different days), one team is announced as the winner and receives a certificate. 

This one is found over here.

Hopefully, you found something helpful here. Happy New Year! I hope the rest of the school year goes well for you. 

Five Things to do to Ease Back to School after New Years

I am not the kind of teacher to rush back and hit the books and new learning right away after Christmas break. I love to spend the first day back as a review day...some might call it a slow start. Here's a look at what I am planning to do my first day back. 

1. Start with time for talking. 

I think this one is very important. Students have been away from the classroom for two full weeks. They are excited. They are tired. Some don't want to be there. Let's face it, they need a few minutes to share and talk about their break, and hear about the breaks of others. I will be using a Rolling into the New Year activity to help with this. Students have a few minutes to talk with friends in a structured way. Using this is super easy. Students take turns rolling the die and then talking about the question they rolled. You can see it in the picture below. You can find this activity over here.  This resource is updated for each year, including this year. 

2. Review Rules and Procedures

Students need to be reminded of the rules. Anytime you are out for more than a weekend, it is a good idea to review. This could be done in fun ways like making it into a game or a fun and interactive quiz. 

I am going to use a true or false quiz that is fun and a bit ridiculous. For instance, I choose really outlandish things like: 

True or false, when entering the classroom late, you should pretend to be on the red carpet, walking with style and doing a few spins on the way to your seat. 

Students will smile, laugh and also remember what they are really suppose to do, because I will also have the real rules and procedures throw in such as: True or false, when entering the classroom late, you should come in quietly, close the door behind you, put your things at your desk and join whatever activity we are doing. 

You get the point. I would do this with every rule and then go over it together when everyone has finished.

3. Math Review

Instead of jumping in to a new concept in math, we are going to do a math review called Unlock the New Year. This review is by Cooties and Cuties and it is a quick countdown activity where students do a few review skills for each number on the board and then move toward the number 1 where they will get a few Hershey's kisses as a celebration for completing the challenge. 

4. Starbooks Cafe

Starbooks Cafe is a fun and relaxing way to get back into the swing of reading while reviewing several reading skills in a reading marathon. Students will get to sip a sweet hot chocolate while reading and responding to a book of their choice. 

I found this activity years ago online, but I do not remember where it came from. But you can see how I set this up over here.

5. Staff Appreciation Writing

I am adding in this new activity from hello_fifth on TPT. Students will choose one staff member and will write about why they are grateful for that staff member. It will give them a chance to work on their writing skills, but with a smaller task instead of diving right in to writing essays. It will also put a smile on the staff member's face when we give them out to each of them. 

As a bonus, this week, I have a part two of low cost New Year activities, so be sure to check it out as well. 

January Classroom Reset: What I Actually Change (and What I Don't)

Why January Feels Like a Reset (But Isn't a Full Restart)

Coming back from Christmas break can absolutely feel hard. There is a lot of post Christmas excitement in the air, students and teachers are tired, and everyone has been out of the habit of classroom routines and procedures. But January doesn't have to be a full restart. You do not have to begin again like you did in August or September of this school year. January is not the new August (or September). Small tweaks make a huge difference. You do not need a complete overhaul to get everything back on track again. 

What I actually Change in January

1. Clear clutter, don't try to redecorate

If you try to take on a complete redecoration of your classroom, you could find yourself overwhelmed and burned out on your first day back. Instead, focus on small changes like decluttering. Take down work from last quarter and get it ready to go home. Put things back in place that have been left out by students. Do a quick tidy of your teacher work space. These changes, however small, will refresh the classroom and get everything ready for learning again. 

2. Do a quick rework of your seating 

Consider classroom behaviors from before break in guiding yourself through a new seating chart. A fresh seating chart always feels good. It is novel for students and helps them to adjust again to the classroom. They do not need to sit by their bestie, instead, think about where they will do their best work without distraction. 

3. Routines and Procedures

Re-teach transitions and procedures again. Students have been out of practice for two weeks, and let's face it, things were out of the normal with programs, parties and interruptions the week before break. They need a refresher in classroom expectations. Do not just assume that they will fall right into line. Be proactive and give them a mini classroom boot camp. You won't have to be as in-depth as the first week of school, but you definitely do not want to gloss over this one.  

4. Instruction and Planning

Plan  on creating more time for review and scaffolding for the first couple of days back. Allow students to ease back into the routine and review what they learned during the first semester before moving forward into completely new concepts.

What I don't Change (Even if it's Tempting)

1. Under no circumstances do I change my classroom management system. My system is working for me. I will not add any new point systems or rewards. Consistency is more important than novelty. Students need to know what to expect. My system cannot constantly be changing. They know what is expected and what will happen if they do not follow procedures and rules. I will return to my system from day one after break. Here is a look at how I handle classroom management.  Don't fix what isn't broken. Just double down again and keep the management they have grown to rely on. 

2. I do not make any major curriculum changes. Instead of switching up programs half-way through the school year, adjust how you deliver content, not the content itself. If something hasn't been working, find a different way to teach. 

3. I do not expect perfection. Just as students make mistakes in their daily work, so they will make behavior mistakes as well. Have grace for them. Have grace for yourself, as you will make your own fair share of mistakes. Don't allow students (or yourself) to feel that a mistake determines your worth or says who you are. You are worth more than the sum of your mistakes and your students are too. Foster that growth mindset in not only academics, but in classroom behaviors as well. 

How I Re-Teach Without Making it Boring

1. Don't lecture your students. Model ideas and concepts for them and guide them as they try it on their own.

2. Practice routines as a game. Make it fun. 

3. Allow students to be a part of the process. Ask them reflection questions such as, "What worked before break? What needs a reminder?"

Common January Reset Mistakes Teachers Make

1. Too often, teachers try to change everything at once. Not only will you feel overwhelmed, but your students also need the familiarity of regular routines. Any changes made should be subtle and introduced slowly. 

2. I am an over-planner. Over-planning for the first week back can be a mistake because often, I end up with many activities that do not get touched and have to be abandoned or carried over to the following week. Be realistic with your time. It is frustrating and a waste of time to plan so many activities that, in the end, get tossed to the side. 

3. Don't expect instant results. Students may need to brush up on the steps for long division again. They may not remember that new vocabulary word from three weeks ago. They may be too excited to remember the classroom expectations the very moment they arrive back in class. Be patient. Reteach, guide, and encourage them. 

4. For goodness sake, do not compare yourself to someone else's highlight reel on Instagram. If another teacher spent their entire break overhauling everything with a super cute new classroom vibe, as Mel Robbins would advise, "Let them." You walk into your own classroom the first day back with a decluttered space, with a management system that has been working since day one, and you rock it all again. You do not have to have the cutest class on "the gram." 

What Success Actually Looks Like in January

1. Gradual improvement, not immediate clam is what you are looking for. Let's face it, students will not be calm on day one. They will want to tell you all their news. They want to tell all their friends and classmates too. They have eaten way too much sugar. They have watched way too much T.V. and played way too many video games. They have stayed up too late and slept in too late. They have been off their schedules. Some of them have most likely not hear the word "no" in a couple of weeks. So, do not expect perfection as it may have been before break. It will take a little while for students to settle back in. 

2. What you can expect is fewer interruptions by week two or three. Resetting the classroom after a break takes time, but know that the end is in sight. Things will come back together, and it will be quicker than at the beginning of the year when it takes a full 4-6 weeks before things ever feel like I like them to. 

3. Students will once again remember routines without prompts. They did it once (before break) and they can do it again. After the first week, those reminders will taper off. Don't give up hope. Continue to provide consistency and high expectations. 

Encouragement for You, the Teacher

1. January is NOT about the sparkle, it is about stability. Getting students back into familiar routines and work will naturally bring stability. Stability will help them to feel settled and they will calm back down and be ready to get back on track in no time. 

2. Small changes count. A decluttered room or a new seating chart can make the classroom feel more settled. Reviewing a skill or a simple reminder on a classroom procedure matters. 

3. You're not behind....you are recalibrating. Regrouping and reviewing will allow time for students to settle back in and a week or two in you will be at full-steam ahead in your teaching and their learning. If you try to hit the books with full force too early, students will not be ready to learn. They need that review to fall back into place.

How do you reset your classroom in January?