7 Black History Month Crafts Your Kids Will Love in February and Beyond

If you’ve never made a craft from a cardboard paper towel tube or an empty toilet paper roll, have you even been a kid? If you’re ready for a cool twist on a classic paper craft, we recommend these adorable MLK, Ruby Bridges and Harriet Tubman characters that are made of construction paper. Add googly eyes for extra giggle factor. For the how-to plus kid-friendly facts about about each of these important figures in Black history, visit Happy Toddler Playtime.

Kids who like to cut (or watch you cut) will love this craft. The only materials needed are colored construction paper, scissors, and a pencil if you decide to draw your own figures. If you’re super creative you can freehand cut, or work together to color in details. Best of all, this easy craft is a great jumping-off point for a discussion about how every single person is different, special, and deserving of respect and love.

Sweeten the mood with a tasty snack that’s both educational AND delicious. Did you know Garrett Morgan invented the traffic light? Teach your kids about this African-American inventor and community leader by grabbing their favorite graham crackers (cinnamon grahams work too), peanut butter, and M&M’s for a mouthwatering treat. Check out the details at Moms N Charge.

Okay, chalk can be messy, but it’s a great way to improve kids’ fine motor skills while having a little fun. Set up an easel with some construction paper and chalk, draw on the sidewalk, or spread paper on the floor or the kitchen table. Then work together to create your very own inspiring chalk art masterpiece. Draw your favorite people from African American history or from today, write phrases using your favorite colors — and let your creativity shine. Not sure where to start? Think about words that inspire: Hope, change, courage, unity, community. Even the littlest kids can get involved tracing letters and adding colors.

If you’re in search of a craft that encourages little ones to dream big, put this dream cloud activity on your “cool stuff to make” list. This homage to Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech will inspire kids to envision any world they desire. While it may seem like a project for older kids, small ones can get in on the fun by talking about the kind of person they want to be when they grow up. Check out how to create this craft at Urban Bliss Life.

Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, and her courage and determination sparked the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. If you were put in that situation, would you do the same thing? This project from Emily Education helps children engage with big questions and big ideas, helping kids imagine what it’s like to be mistreated because of the color of their skin — and what it takes to spark a positive change.

This meaningful craft project from ABCDee Learning uses your family’s handprints to inspire us all to work so every race and nationality can feel seen and heard. All it takes is some paper, scissors, glue, markers ... and a big dream for a better world.