Discuss the origins of African Americans. Help preschool students understand the struggles many African Americans have historically faced. Discuss the concept of slavery, and explain that many African Americans who live in America today are the decedents of slaves who were brought here against their will.
Read an African American folk tale to your students. There are numerous anthologies which feature these tales, or you can access tales online by visiting the archive of the Afro American Almanac.
Ask students to draw a picture which illustrates the tale. After you have read it to students, ask them to each draw a picture of a scene from the story. Encourage them to be as detailed as possible and use bright colors to create an ascetically pleasing picture. Display the pictures around the room.
Learn about prominent African Americans. There are many African American leaders who have played a vital role in securing the rights of African Americans. Learn about these leaders by reading picture books featuring tales of their lives with students. Visit your local library and pick up copies of "Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky," by Faith Ringgold; "Ellington Was Not a Street," by Ntozake Shange; or "Rosa," by Nikki Giovanni and engage students in learning about noteworthy African Americans.
Study Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African-inspired holiday right after Christmas. The holiday, which originated in 1966, was created to provide African Americans with the opportunity to celebrate their own history. The holiday covers several days, each commemorated by the lighting of a candle, similar to the Jews' practice at Hanukkah. Each day, celebrants are to focus on one guiding principle. When Kwanzaa rolls around, teach students about the modern holiday and the seven principles that it celebrates. Engage in your own mini-Kwanzaa celebration to allow students to experience the holiday.