By Beth Rush

Life is one long learning opportunity. While you’re teaching your children essential daily skills, it’s also important to talk about the historical context of different cultures. Black History Month is an excellent time to learn as a family. Check out a few ways kids can celebrate Black History Month while learning why people honor it each February.

1. Read Age-Relevant Books Books are always great resources when you want to learn something. Visit your local library and stop by the sections with storybooks that match your child’s age. Reading through picture books together instills new vocabulary and moral lessons in kids as young as four and a half. A librarian can help you find age-relevant stories about Black History Month. They could also point out children’s books by Black authors that introduce young minds to culturally different experiences.

2. Visit Historical Exhibits Browse websites for the nearest history museums in your area — they likely have limited-time exhibits for Black History Month. You could attend one designed for children to explore the holiday in an educational context. Museums often create interactive displays for young children to keep them engaged while introducing new concepts. If you want a weekend getaway together, your family might even enjoy a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

3. Explore Black History Month Websites Schools aren’t the only place for young people to learn new concepts. Although educational opportunities are expanding — like the increase of public students in charter schools from 2.1% to 6.5% since 2005 — kids can celebrate Black History Month on a family computer. The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) provides free online resources covering 400 years of Black achievements and contributions within America. Browse them together during February to commemorate the holiday.

4. Make Recipes From Different Cultures America is an intercultural society. Making international cuisines during February is an easy way kids can celebrate Black History Month and the many traditionally Black cultures that influenced the nation. Serve gumbo to honor the Black communities making New Orleans a culturally vibrant place to live.

Celebrate cuisine from traditionally Black countries with roots throughout the U.S., like the Gullah dish called Hoppin’ John or the West African chicken perloo. You could borrow cookbooks inspired by Black cultures to teach your children about Black history without leaving home.

5. Listen to Different Music Genres The music industry wouldn’t look the same without the contributions of Black Americans. Their numerous cultures introduced the world to blues, jazz, gospel, and R&B music. They also influenced the development of rock and roll. Families can honor Black History Month by listening to artists within those genres. You never know if your family might attend a jazz festival after your little ones fall in love with the genre and its history.

Celebrate Black History Month by Learning Together Families can honor Black History Month in many ways, even with young children. Attend local museum exhibits, eat foods from different cultures or read books together. You’ll give them a better understanding of the holiday and an appreciation for the intercultural diversity within America.

Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, a health and wellness brand. She covers topics like sustainable healthcare and ways human health is linked to planetary health. Beth is raising her own family on plant-based recipes and mindful nutrition. You can find her on X @bodymindmag.