5 Ways to Teach Students About Juneteenth

June 10, 2024 byConnections Academy

6 min to read

Student holding a pan African flag for Juneteenth celebration

This month we recognize Juneteenth, an important day in Black history dedicated to commemorating independence, celebrating hope, and reflecting on the past. The holiday has been observed in America for more than 150 years.

You may be wondering: How can I enhance my online student’s curriculum with this topic? Juneteenth is a time to consider our country’s history and how your family can participate in honoring the occasion. If you’re looking for Juneteenth resources for kids, check out these five things your student can do to learn about the holiday and its significance while online school is out for the summer!

What Is Juneteenth?

Before you get started on these Juneteenth activities for kids, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the holiday. Let’s go back in history for a moment.

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring enslaved people in the United States free. However, there were still enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, because the news had not yet reached the area. In the summer of 1865, news of freedom finally made its way to Galveston, marking the end of slavery for them. Since then, we have honored and recognized that historic day. It is an opportunity for families of all heritages and backgrounds to acknowledge and celebrate Black history!

Now, let’s delve into Juneteenth lessons for kids.

1. Students Learn a Wide Range of Diverse and Contemporary Subject Matters

Reading books is a great way to discover history. Whether a textbook or a nonfiction novel, there is something for students to discover on each page. For example, did you know Juneteenth stands for June 19? Or that it’s recognized by different names? Here are a few below:

Freedom Day
Emancipation Day 
Jubilee Day 
Liberation Day

Books are great learning tools with a wealth of information that can make learning about Juneteenth for kids easy. In fact, it has been proven that through reading, young children exhibit improved cognitive skills, which helps them better understand and process information.  

To help your K–12 student learn more about the holiday, you could propose a “read-a-thon” to encourage your child to immerse themselves in the event. For example, you could talk daily with your young learner. While reading, you could ask questions to encourage active learning. After reading time concludes, ask them to point out something that they learned from the book.  

Older learners can take on this task more independently. Instead of daily reading, assign them to read one book a week. After they finish, let them share what the book was about. They could even write a short book review to recap what they learned. For inspiration, here’s a list of  Juneteenth books for kids. You can also check out this book list for more mature learners to help them get started.

2. Teach Students About Juneteenth Through Media

When introducing a new concept to students in virtual school, video visuals can be helpful in building knowledge. Thankfully, there are many wonderful videos, TV shows, movies, and documentaries that explore Black history and culture. By watching, students will be able to learn about historical events and experiences. For older learners, PBS has a powerful series that delves into the holiday’s history and offers a list of documentaries exploring Black culture.  

In addition, Juneteenth lessons for kids can be taught through media like music. You can play Juneteenth-specific songs for a fun history lesson and dance break. For middle and high schoolers, you might recommend they listen to a podcast, TED talk, or watch a video that explains the significance of the holiday. Whatever form of media they select, there are ample opportunities for them to bring the past to life. 

You can also diversify your child’s music tastes by playing music from genres both created by Black people. Family-friendly radio stations watch a video that explains the significance of the holiday. Whatever form of media they select, there are ample opportunities for them to bring the past to life. 

You can also diversify your child’s music tastes by playing music from genres both created by Black people. Family-friendly radio stations like WEE Nation stream 24/7 R&B, Funk, Jazz, Go-Go, and Hip-Hop, which are all integral to Black culture.

3. Teach Students About Juneteenth Through Cooking

Food is a big part of the holiday and incorporating cooking as an activity is a fun way to celebrate. Red foods are customary and serve as a symbol of the resilience and sacrifice of enslaved people. Before preparing your food, let your student do some research to assist with creating the menu.

Take that time to decorate and discuss the significance and history behind the meal you’re sharing. Juneteenth facts for kids can encourage dialogue around the holiday. Conversation can also be initiated when setting the table. Take that time to decorate and discuss the significance and history behind the meal you’re sharing.

4. Teach Students About Juneteenth Through Decorations

You can honor and learn more about this holiday through decor! Encourage your child to do research on the regions of origin of enslaved people. They can honor those places by making a banner of African flags at home. For young learners, all you’ll need is construction paper, glue, and markers. You could also craft a Juneteenth flag, which symbolizes a new beginning. If you want to take it a step further, you could work on confetti poppers with green, black, and red colors. Not only are these great party favors that can be passed out during your Juneteenth feast, they are a concrete illustration of celebration.  

The staple piece at any Juneteenth celebration will be the Pan-African flag, which represents liberation. Instead of doing crafts, have older learners study the meaning of the flag and why it is important to the celebration. Have them research what the red, black, and green colors mean and what parts of history they represent. As they’re digging into history, they will be exploring and learning interesting facts they may have never known existed, which can benefit them when they return to online school! 

5. Teach Students About Juneteenth Through Community

Community is an important aspect of Juneteenth celebrations. Communities gather together to host events like parades and block parties featuring marching bands, drumlines, and floats. Events like these are fun for the whole family and represent the true spirit of Juneteenth. This summer, there will likely be a variety of events that you and your K–12 student can attend to celebrate Juneteenth.  

Another great community outlet is your local library or museum. On historical holidays like Juneteenth, libraries often host readings that allow people to discover Black authors, musicians, and poets. This can give your student a glimpse into how meaningful community connections can be viewed as educational opportunities!

From books to community events, there are so many fun and empowering ways your online student can learn about this historical holiday!