How to Integrate Handwriting, Alphabet, and Black History for Pre-K & Kindergarten

As a dedicated teacher or homeschooling parent you are always looking for engaging, academically rich activities for your Pre-K or Kindergarten learner. 

You want to instill foundational literacy skills while also introducing vital historical contributions. Literacy Mobility has created The "ABC's With A Little History, Please!" activity to touch all the bases and is  a unique resource designed to meet these exact needs.

What is "ABC's With A Little History, Please!"?

This activity is specifically created for Pre-K and Kindergarten learners who are practicing handwriting and learning the alphabet. It goes beyond basic letter recognition by weaving in the significant contributions of African Americans during the history of the United States. It’s an innovative way to introduce young minds to diverse historical figures and concepts, fostering both literacy and cultural awareness.

How Does This Activity Work?

The structure is simple, effective, and highly engaging for young children:

1. Trace the letter: Students begin by tracing the featured uppercase and lowercase letter, reinforcing letter formation.

2. Write the letter: Next, they practice writing the letter independently on the provided handwriting lines, solidifying their fine motor skills.

3. Color the picture: Each letter is associated with a specific historical figure or concept, accompanied by a picture for coloring, which adds a creative and sensory element to the learning process.

4. "Talk about it!" discussion prompt: Even at their tender little ages, their minds are sharp! This critical thinking component encourages students to reflect on themes related to the historical figure, promoting deeper understanding and conversation. For example, after learning about Alvin Ailey, students are prompted with "How does dancing make you feel?". After learning about Crispus Attucks, they discuss "What makes someone a hero?".

Meeting Educational Standards with Historical Depth

This activity is aligned with important Common Core standards, specifically CCSS.RF.K.1 (Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print) and CCSS.RF.K.1.D (Recognize and name all upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet). By integrating these foundational literacy skills with history, it provides a holistic educational experience.

Here’s a glimpse of the inspiring individuals and concepts your students will encounter, making history relatable and memorable:

• A is for Alvin Ailey: A famous Black dancer and choreographer who shared African American culture through dance.

• B is for Bessie Coleman: The first Black woman to fly an airplane, teaching about hard work and dreams.

• C is for Crispus Attucks: Known as one of the first heroes of the American Revolution, being the first person to die in the Boston Massacre.

• D is for Dorothy Height: A leader who worked for equal rights for Black girls and women.

• E is for Ella Fitzgerald: A famous Black jazz singer with a beautiful voice.

• F is for Freedman’s Bank: A bank created to help Black people save money after slavery.

• G is for Garrett Morgan: Inventor of the traffic light, making streets safer.

• H is for HBCU: Historically Black Colleges and Universities that provided learning opportunities when others did not.

• I is for Ida B. Wells: A brave writer who exposed unfairness and worked to stop bad laws.

• J is for Jackie Robinson: The first Black man to play baseball in the major leagues, demonstrating courage.

• K is for Katherine Johnson: A mathematician who helped NASA send astronauts into space.

• L is for Langston Hughes: A poet who wrote about dreams, hope, and Black pride.

• M is for Madam C.J. Walker: The first Black woman millionaire in America, who made hair care products.

• N is for Negro Leagues: Baseball teams for Black players when they were excluded from the Major Leagues.

• O is for Oprah Winfrey: A famous TV host who tells stories and helps people.

• P is for Phyllis Wheatley: The first African American woman to have a book of poetry published.

• Q is for Quincy Jones: A music producer who helped make songs for famous singers.

• R is for Rosa Parks: Her refusal to give up her bus seat helped start the civil rights movement.

• S is for Sojourner Truth: A strong and brave speaker who advocated for ending slavery and treating women fairly.

• T is for Tuskegee Airmen: The first Black pilots in the U.S. military.

• U is for Underground Railroad: A secret path that helped people escape slavery to find freedom.

• V is for Voting Rights: The fight for all Black people to vote in fair elections.

• W is for Wilma Rudolph: A fast runner who won Olympic gold medals despite childhood illness.

• X is for Malcolm X: A leader who encouraged Black people to be proud and strong.

• Y is for York: A Black explorer who assisted on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

• Z is for Zora Neale Hurston: A writer who told stories about Black life and fostered pride.

By incorporating "ABC's With A Little History, Please!" into your curriculum, you're not just teaching letters; you’re building a foundation of historical understanding, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation for your youngest learners.