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BrainPOP At Home includes fun, engaging movies, quizzes, and activities that build background knowledge and vocabulary. This month and beyond, boost confidence at home and school with our kid-tested, teacher-approved topics that highlight notable Black figures in history.

Celebrate Black History Month with educational movies and activities

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In order to access the movies included in our activities, you’ll need to create an account. Try it for free with a two-week trial! 

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Black history in the arts

There is an endless number of Black artists whose work has shaped the progress of art across every medium.  Start learning here with these suggestions!

Step 1: Learn about an iconic Black artist

Eloise Greenfield

Annie and Moby learn how Eloise Greenfield used rhythm to make her poems and stories come alive.

FOR GRADES K-3

Alvin Ailey

Tim and Moby meet Alvin Ailey, a dance prodigy who brought African-American culture to world stages with the most-seen modern dance work of all time.

FOR GRADES 3-8

Watch a movie together that helps kids appreciate the important contributions Black artists have made throughout American history.

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Step 2: Reflect on what we can learn from Black art

FOR GRADES K-3

  • Eloise Greenfield's poetry uses repetition, rhythm, and rhyme. Read some of her poems and list examples. 
     

  • Many of Greenfield's poems are about the importance of family. You may want to read Brothers and Sisters: Family Poems and then write poems about your own family together. You can even ask every member of your family to write a line of the poem!

FOR GRADES 3-8

  • Watch this video of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company's full 2015 performance of "Revelations" with your kids. What can you observe about the dancing, music, and costumes?

  • What does revelation mean? Why do you think Ailey named this work "Revelations"?
     

  • What experiences from Alvin Ailey's childhood are represented in the dance?

After the movie, use these prompts to discuss what you learned to extend and deepen your child's understanding.

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Dig deeper into Black history across every subject

From notable names to historical moments and cultural movements, there's so much to learn and celebrate within Black history. Try these topics as a starting point to build even more understanding with your family.

Annie and Moby learn about Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel into space!

Mae Jemison

FOR GRADES K-3

Cool nights, hot jazz! Tim and Moby introduce you to the African-American cultural revival known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Harlem Renaissance

FOR GRADES 3-8

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Annie and Moby learn about Ruby Bridges, the first African-American student to attend an all-white elementary school.

Ruby Bridges

FOR GRADES K-3

Tim and Moby learn all about Maya Angelou, brilliant poet, respected actor, devoted activist, and beloved professor.

Maya Angelou

FOR GRADES 3-8

Annie and Moby learn about Jackie Robinson, one of baseball's greatest heroes of all time. 

Jackie Robinson

FOR GRADES K-3

Tim and Moby follow hip-hop's humble beginnings at a 1973 back-to-school party to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry, influencing pop culture around the world.

Hip-hop and Rap

FOR GRADES 3-8

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