Black History Month & Social-Emotional Learning

Black History Month is a powerful time to help students develop social-emotional learning (SEL) skills by exploring stories of resilience, courage, and community. Learning about historical figures and their perseverance can inspire students to build empathy, strengthen their self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of social responsibility. This month presents an opportunity to connect SEL with Black history in meaningful ways. Here’s how to integrate SEL learning into your classroom, along with a read-aloud book that brings these themes to life.

How to Use It:

1. Read-Aloud Setup: Read The Undefeated aloud to the class, pausing at moments that highlight resilience, strength, and overcoming adversity. Ask thought-provoking questions such as: “How do you think these historical figures felt during their struggles? How did they show resilience?”
2. Discussion: After the story, talk about the different emotions and challenges faced by the individuals in the book. Ask students: “What character traits helped them persist? How can we apply those traits in our own lives?”
3. Connection to SEL Goals: Guide students to reflect on their own experiences with perseverance, standing up for others, and believing in themselves. Discuss how learning from history can help them navigate their own emotions and challenges.

Set Personalized SEL Goals Inspired by Black History

After reading and discussing The Undefeated, encourage students to set their own SEL goals, drawing inspiration from historical figures. These could include:

• Self-Awareness & Confidence: Setting goals to embrace their identity and believe in their abilities.
• Empathy & Kindness: Aiming to be more understanding and supportive of others in their community.
• Resilience & Perseverance: Committing to keep trying even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

Encourage students to identify role models from Black history who exemplify these traits and discuss how they can apply these lessons in their own lives.

Track Progress with Reflection

To reinforce SEL learning, hold regular check-ins where students reflect on their goals. These reflections can be shared through discussions, journaling, or creative activities like artwork or storytelling. Ask students:

• “What’s one thing you’ve done this week that shows resilience?”
• “How have you shown kindness or empathy to someone recently?”
• “Which historical figure’s story inspires you the most, and why?”

These reflections help students connect historical lessons to their own lives while developing self-awareness and emotional growth.

Promoting Accountability and Growth

Learning about Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about using those lessons to shape the future. By integrating SEL discussions, goal-setting, and reflection, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. This helps create a classroom culture of empathy, courage, and perseverance.

In Conclusion

Using The Undefeated as part of your Black History Month activities makes SEL learning engaging, inspiring, and deeply meaningful. By guiding students through discussions on resilience, goal-setting, and self-reflection, you empower them to grow into empathetic, determined individuals. This February, help your students celebrate history while developing the skills they need to navigate life with confidence and compassion!