Set up the preschool classroom for success when introducing a new theme such as Black History Month by posting images around the room for students to look at. Arrange images of influential Black Americans around the room along with maps of Africa and traditional art of Africa. Create a collection of books for students to look at about Africa, famous Black Americans and by African-American authors.
Gather students and look at images around the room as a group as well as read several books by African-American authors. Faith Ringgold is a famous living black author who writes about growing up in Harlem. Along with being the author of the books, she also illustrates them using story quilts. "Tar Beach" is one of her most famous books. Read "Tar Beach" to preschoolers and look at the pictures.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was another influential and important African-American. Share images of Martin Luther King, Jr. with preschoolers and read to them excerpts from his speeches. Explain to students that Martin Luther King, Jr. used his abilities as a great speaker to help influence and educate others. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that one day all people would be treated equal no matter what color their skin was.
Have preschool students think of something they find important and want everyone to know about. With a sheet of paper and crayons, have students draw a picture explaining what they feel strongly about and assist them writing down their dream, like Martin Luther King, Jr. did. When all students are finished, create an "I have a dream" bulletin board with a picture of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the pictures the students created.
Another part of Black History Month is celebrating everyone's diversity and ethnicity. All people have different colors of skin and no matter what color they are, they should all be treated equally.
Have students all stand in a circle and hold hands. Encourage students to look at each other's hands and how they are similar or different in color. Work together and make the circle move in one direction, and then in the other while making sure all students help each other to stay standing. Helping each other and working together makes a peaceful world.
Give each student a sheet of white paper. Have them trace around their hand with a black crayon. Using various skin-toned crayons, have preschoolers color in their handprint and then write their name on their papers when finished. Hang the handprints around the room.