Effective and Creative Juneteenth Teaching Strategies and Activities for Elementary Classrooms

Are you struggling to teach Juneteenth in your classroom? Do you need meaningful and captivating ways to educate your students about the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the triumph of freedom? This blog post will explore the importance of sharing Juneteenth and its history with your students, as well as provide you with engaging and innovative ways to teach this significant event. So, keep reading to learn some creative Juneteenth teaching strategies!

juneteenth teaching strategies


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What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and proclaimed the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth celebrates freedom and acknowledges the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history.

Importance of Teaching Juneteenth

It is crucial to educate our students about Juneteenth and its historical significance. There are many reasons why teaching this topic is vital in our classrooms today.

#1 Historical Significance

Teaching students about Juneteenth helps them understand an important milestone in the struggle for civil rights and equality.

#2 Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Introducing students to Juneteenth fosters an appreciation for diverse histories and cultures. It helps students recognize the contributions, struggles, and achievements of African Americans in shaping the United States. By celebrating Juneteenth, students learn to value diversity and promote inclusivity in their communities.

#3 Empathy and Understanding

Learning about Juneteenth cultivates empathy and understanding among students. It allows them to reflect on past injustices and develop a sense of compassion for those who have faced historical and ongoing struggles. This understanding can help foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

#4 Recognizing Social Progress

Teaching about Juneteenth highlights the progress made in the fight against slavery and racial inequality in the United States. By understanding the historical context and the challenges African Americans face, students can better appreciate the efforts made to overcome those challenges and work towards a more just society.

#5 Cultivating Critical Thinking

Discussing Juneteenth encourages critical thinking skills among elementary students. They can engage in discussions about historical events, analyze their significance, and explore the broader implications for society. This process helps develop critical thinking, historical analysis, and the ability to question and evaluate information.

#6 Celebrating African American Culture

Juneteenth celebrations often include music, food, and cultural activities that showcase African American traditions and contributions. By teaching students about Juneteenth, you can expose them to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of African Americans, fostering respect and appreciation for different cultures.

Teaching elementary students about Juneteenth is crucial for promoting historical awareness, diversity, empathy, and critical thinking skills. In addition, it allows them to understand the struggles and achievements of African Americans, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

juneteenth teaching strategies - how to teach Juneteenth to Elementary students



How to Teach Students about Juneteenth

Teaching about topics like Juneteenth can present challenges for teachers. Firstly, there may be limited educational resources available that specifically address the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth, making it more difficult for teachers to find appropriate materials.

Additionally, discussing sensitive subjects related to slavery and racial inequality may require careful planning and sensitivity to ensure that all students feel included and respected. Teachers may also face resistance or backlash from some parents or community members with differing perspectives on such topics.

Furthermore, teachers may need to navigate the complexities of age-appropriate discussions, finding the right balance between providing historical context and addressing the emotional impact of past injustices. Despite these challenges, it is crucial for teachers to approach these topics thoughtfully and engage in open, honest, and inclusive conversations that promote understanding and empathy among students.

Juneteenth Teaching Strategies

Here are some Juneteenth teaching strategies to help you overcome these challenges and create engaging and inclusive learning experiences that help your students understand the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth.

Prepare in Advance

Conduct thorough research on Juneteenth and gather appropriate educational resources, books, videos, and articles that are suitable for elementary students. Familiarize yourself with the historical context and cultural significance of Juneteenth to confidently answer questions and provide accurate information.

Create an Inclusive Classroom Environment

Establish a classroom environment that values diversity and promotes inclusivity. Encourage open dialogue and respect for different perspectives. Emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for students to ask questions and share their thoughts.

Use Age-Appropriate Language and Materials

Adapt the language and materials to suit the age and maturity level of your students. Use engaging and interactive teaching methods, such as storytelling, group discussions, and hands-on activities, to make the learning experience more accessible and relatable.

Incorporate Multidisciplinary Approaches

Explore various subject areas to teach about Juneteenth. Integrate history, social studies, language arts, and art to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. For example, students can create artwork or write poems inspired by Juneteenth or act out historical events through role-playing activities.

Connect Juneteenth to Students’ Lives

Help students make connections between Juneteenth and their own lives. Discuss the importance of freedom, equality, and justice, and encourage students to reflect on how these principles apply in their communities. Relate Juneteenth to broader themes of human rights and social progress.

Communicate with Parents and Guardians

Establish open lines of communication with parents and guardians to address any concerns or questions they may have. Share your teaching plans and resources with them, emphasizing the lessons’ educational value and inclusive nature. Invite parents to be involved in classroom activities or suggest resources they can explore with their children at home.

Foster Critical Thinking

Encourage critical thinking by asking thought-provoking questions and encouraging students to analyze historical events and their significance. Engage in respectful discussions and debates to develop students’ ability to think critically, evaluate information, and form their own opinions.

Guest Speakers and Community Involvement

Invite guest speakers, such as local historians, community leaders, or members of African American organizations, to share their knowledge and experiences related to Juneteenth. This can provide students with diverse perspectives and create meaningful connections to the community.

juneteenth teaching strategies


Juneteenth Activities for the Classroom:

Once you feel more prepared about teaching Juneteenth in your classroom, you will be ready to plan and prepare some engaging resources. Having appropriate resources will not only help you feel prepared, but it will help your students learn better. Check out these ideas to help teach your students about Juneteenth.

Engage with Primary Sources

Explore historical documents, photographs, and firsthand accounts related to Juneteenth. Encourage students to analyze and discuss these sources to develop a deeper understanding of the event.

Read Relevant Books

Introduce age-appropriate books that highlight the history and significance of Juneteenth. Some recommended titles include “Juneteenth for Mazie” by Floyd Cooper and “All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom” by Angela Johnson.

Utilize Multimedia Resources

Incorporate educational videos and documentaries available on platforms like YouTube to visually engage students and deepen their understanding of Juneteenth. Check out this kid-friendly video that you can use in your classroom to help explain Juneteenth to your students.



Printable Resources

Utilize printable resources such as these Nonfiction Reading Passages, which include a passage specifically dedicated to Juneteenth. These passages allow students to practice their reading comprehension skills while learning about this important historical event.



Art Projects

Engage students in artistic expression by having them create artwork inspired by Juneteenth. This can include drawings, paintings, collages, or even spoken word performances.

Interactive Quizzes and Games

Create Kahoot quizzes or other interactive activities to make learning about Juneteenth enjoyable and interactive. This will encourage active participation and reinforce critical concepts. Kahoot offers a course about Juneteenth that is available in their Kahoot!+ AccessPass subscription!

Community Discussions

Organize classroom or school-wide discussions on the significance of Juneteenth, its impact on African American communities, and how it relates to contemporary issues of social justice.

Looking for more help?


Teaching Juneteenth empowers students to recognize the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. By implementing these effective and creative teaching strategies and activities, you can ensure that your students gain a comprehensive understanding of Juneteenth and its importance in our nation’s history.

I encourage you to explore further resources, expand your knowledge, and continue the conversation on Juneteenth. Together, let us foster an inclusive and culturally aware learning environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality.

Remember, educating our students about Juneteenth is a step toward a more equitable and just society.

Thank you for your dedication to teaching and inspiring the next generation!

Tanya G. Marshall The Butterfly Teacher Transforming Learning for all students

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