When I was in elementary school, there were several projects and events that still stick with me today. You know, those activities that went beyond the typical learning, required a bit more effort to pull together, and felt more like an experience than it did a task. One that still stands out the most was a student-led showcase that highlighted influential women in history. I remember almost everything about that event. Gathering the information, designing my poster, and deciding on how I was going to present all of my work about my person – Amelia Earhart.
I remember working a little bit harder, pushing myself a little more, because I knew that this work was more than just a piece of informational writing. It was a showcase of my learning. With March being right around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight similar activities that may result in your students remembering these learning experiences 30 years from now.
But first, start with where it all began — and teach students about the history of Women’s History Month! When teaching our students about the value and importance of this month, it is equally important to teach them how it all came to be. Check out the timeline highlighted in this article from Girls with Ideas, then motivate your learners by taking on one of the activities below:
A Walking Timeline
Encourage students to research significant moments in Women’s History and create a timeline. Consider having them present their information to another class, or think BIG! Make this a school-wide event and have each grade level take on a decade. Teach middle school or high school? Have your students find significant women in the subject area you teach. Organize their information in a way they choose, and present this information in chronological order to an audience. This could be to other students, staff, parents, or community members. Not teaching in-person? Host this event on Zoom!
Women’s March for March
Have students select a woman historical figure and research her life and accomplishments. Then, have students create a poster about their person. Put posters on display in the hallways throughout the school and have students walk around learning about these historical figures. Want to put a spin on it? Organize these historical women by dates of accomplishments and instantly turn this into a walking historical timeline.
Our Family “Herstory”
Have students choose a female family member and interview them to learn their life story. Students can then take what they have learned and design and create a book about their life. Not only will it make these women feel valued and appreciated, but it will be a tangible document of their life story for years to come.
She-posium Spotlight
So I loved this particular experience in school so much, I had to include this same idea here as well. Have students choose a female who has made a historical impact. Then, have them do the research, create their supporting materials (posters, video, etc.), and organize and present their information to an audience. Make this an event! Students will put in additional effort when they know that their work will be presented to an audience and they will be in charge of making it happen.
These are just a few of the endless opportunities out there that puts our students in a position to recognize the significance of women in history. Check out these resources for additional ideas on how to celebrate women’s history month with your students:
- 25 Women’s History Month Ideas for School
- 31 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month
- 8 Activities to Celebrate Women’s History Month
We hope you are all staying healthy and safe during this difficult time. For more free educational resources simply follow this link. If you enjoyed this blog post, don’t forget to subscribe!
*Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.