5 Middle School Activities for Black History Month
Black History Month is such a great opportunity to celebrate influential figures, spark meaningful conversations, and help students connect with history in engaging ways. But let’s be honest… February can also be a busy time of year, and finding activities that are both educational and easy to prep makes life so much easier.
If you’re looking for low-prep, student-friendly ideas that work well for middle school, here are five activities that have been big hits in classrooms.
1. Learn Through Puzzles with Black History Month Crossword Activities
Crossword puzzles are one of those classic activities students quietly love, and they’re perfect for reinforcing new learning.
This Black History Month Crossword Puzzle Pack includes 60 different puzzles, each focused on a famous African American figure. Students explore leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, Serena Williams, Barack Obama, and many more across civil rights, science, sports, literature, and the arts.
They’re great for:
Bell ringers
Early finishers
Sub plans
Independent work during history lessons
Since everything is print-and-go (with answer keys included), it’s an easy way to keep students engaged while learning about important historical figures.
2. Build Vocabulary with Black History Month Word Searches
Word searches are perfect when you want something meaningful but low stress, especially for literacy centers or quiet work time.
This Word Search Bundle includes 60 themed puzzles that cover:
Civil rights leaders
Inventors and scientists
Artists, musicians, athletes, and writers
Major events and movements
Each puzzle includes targeted vocabulary that helps students strengthen spelling, reading skills, and historical awareness — all while having fun.
They work really well for:
Morning work
Homework
Fast finishers
Social studies stations
Students stay focused, and you get a purposeful activity with zero prep.
3. Explore Rosa Parks Through a Differentiated ESL Biography Lesson
If you teach ESL/EALD (or have mixed-ability learners), this Rosa Parks biography lesson is a fantastic way to combine language development with history.
Students work through:
Leveled reading passages (A1, A2, B1)
MP3 listening activities
Comprehension questions
Speaking tasks
A biographical writing activity
It’s a full lesson that builds all four language skills while teaching about one of the most important figures of the Civil Rights Movement.
Perfect for ESL classes, literacy centers, or integrated social studies lessons.
4. Get Inspired with a Serena Williams ESL Biography
Students love learning about modern role models, and Serena Williams is such a powerful one.
This differentiated ESL biography lesson follows the same engaging structure:
Three leveled reading texts
Listening activities
Speaking discussions
Writing and grammar practice
It’s a great way to highlight perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers while strengthening English skills at the same time.
This one works beautifully during:
Black History Month
Biography units
Women’s History Month
Sports-themed lessons
5. Bring Music History to Life with Jazz Music Bingo
If you’re looking for something interactive (and fun!), this Jazz Music Bingo Game is always a hit.
Students listen to jazz legends like:
Louis Armstrong
Ella Fitzgerald
Duke Ellington
Miles Davis
But it’s more than just bingo… It’s inquiry-based! Students use clues, research artists, actively listen to music, and connect what they hear to jazz history.
It’s perfect for:
General music classes
Enrichment days
Black History Month activities
Sub plans
Plus, the editable clue templates let students create their own rounds, which they absolutely love.
Wrapping It Up
Black History Month doesn’t have to mean hours of prep or the same activities every year. With a mix of puzzles, biographies, listening activities, and interactive games, you can keep students engaged while honoring the incredible contributions of African Americans throughout history.
These activities work beautifully together, whether you’re filling centers, planning a themed week, or just looking for meaningful resources you can grab and use right away.
