Teaching young children about kindness helps shape a more caring and respectful world. Black History Month is a perfect opportunity to introduce preschoolers to the importance of treating others with respect and learning about the contributions of notable individuals throughout history. While preschoolers may not yet understand complex historical events, they can learn meaningful lessons about love, fairness, and friendship through simple activities and conversations.
Here are practical ways to help preschoolers develop kindness in everyday life while recognizing the spirit of Black History Month.
Understanding Kindness in Simple Terms
Before introducing specific activities, it’s essential to lay the foundation for what kindness means. Young children can grasp this concept best when explained in familiar terms:
- Kindness means treating others with care and respect, just as they would like to be treated.
Parents can also share how Jesus emphasized love for all people. Verses such as "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) demonstrate that everyone deserves kindness and respect.
Activities to Teach Kindness
1. Storytime with Books About Friendship and Respect
Reading books is one of the easiest ways to help preschoolers understand kindness. Choose picture books that highlight historical figures who promoted fairness and unity.
Great options include:
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold is a story about children coming together in a caring and friendly classroom.
- I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer is a preschool-friendly introduction to the civil rights leader’s message of kindness and fairness.
After reading, ask children simple questions like, “How did the characters show kindness?” and “How can we be more thoughtful toward others?”
2. “Same and Different” Hands-On Activity
This activity helps preschoolers visually understand that while people may look different on the outside, they are the same on the inside.
How to do it:
- Show children two eggs—one brown, one white.
- Ask them to describe the differences they see.
- Crack both eggs into a bowl, showing that inside, they are identical.
- Explain that people may have different skin colors, but all share similar feelings, dreams, and the need for kindness.
This simple demonstration reinforces the importance of looking beyond appearances and treating everyone with respect.
3. Learning Through Music and Songs
Music is a universal way to teach young children about love and kindness. Songs that celebrate friendship and community help preschoolers understand these values in a joyful and memorable way.
Consider incorporating:
- This Little Light of Mine is a song about letting kindness shine through actions.
- Jesus Loves the Little Children reminds us that every child is equally loved and valued.
After singing, discuss the meaning behind the lyrics and how they relate to treating others with kindness.
4. Honoring Those Who Stood for Fairness
Preschoolers can begin learning about real-life heroes who promoted fairness and helped others. While historical events may be too complex, children can grasp simple stories of figures who stood for what is right.
Some great figures to introduce:
- Harriet Tubman helped others find freedom. Teach children that helping and caring for others is a way to show kindness.
- Rosa Parks stood up for fairness. Encourage preschoolers to treat all friends equally and with respect.
- Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about love and unity. Explain that including everyone in playtime and friendships reflects these same values.
Telling these stories in a simplified, positive way helps preschoolers connect with history in a way they can understand.
Keeping the Conversation Going at Home and in School
Kindness is a value that should be nurtured all year long, not just during Black History Month. By incorporating simple activities, thoughtful conversations, and everyday examples, parents can help preschoolers develop a natural sense of empathy and respect for others. Black History Month provides a meaningful opportunity to highlight these lessons, but the ultimate goal is to instill them as lifelong habits. When children learn from an early age that every person deserves love and respect, they carry those values with them as they grow, shaping a more thoughtful and caring future.