Celebrating Women's History Month in the Elementary Classroom
March is Women's History Month! It's a month-long celebration of all the amazing things women have accomplished throughout history. As elementary teachers, we have the chance to inspire our students from an early age by teaching them about the incredible contributions of women throughout time. In this blog post, we'll share some fun and easy ideas for celebrating Women's History Month in your classroom. Let's show our students just how awesome women can be!
Highlighting Diversity
First off, let's focus on the women themselves. Who are some of the amazing women you want to highlight? Although it’s impossible to comprehensively include all the amazing women that have made an impact throughout history we want to be sure that our list includes women from all walks of life, different times in history, and diverse in race, religion, and cause.
Here are some of our favorite Women to Highlight During Women’s History Month :
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, often referred to as AOC, is a young and dynamic politician who serves in the United States House of Representatives. She is known for being an advocate for progressive policies, such as universal healthcare and fighting climate change.
Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator and feminist icon who inspired generations of women to follow their dreams. She accomplished many firsts in aviation history, including becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her courage, determination, and passion for flying made her a role model for women around the world.
Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who gained international fame after her diary, which she wrote while in hiding during World War II, was published posthumously. During their time in hiding, Anne wrote in her diary about her life in the secret annex, her thoughts and feelings, and her dreams for the future.
Chien-Shiung Wu was a Chinese physicist who made many important contributions to the field of nuclear physics. Wu worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II and helped develop the atomic bombs. Later, she researched beta decay and conducted an important experiment that proved a theory by two other scientists.
Coretta Scott King was an American civil rights activist who fought for equality and justice for all people, regardless of their race or gender. She was the wife of the famous civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., but she was also a powerful activist in her own right. After her husband's assassination, Coretta continued to work tirelessly to eliminate racial segregation, discrimination, and inequality in education, voting, housing, and employment.
Dolores Huerta is an American civil rights activist who has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of others. She worked alongside Cesar Chavez to co-found the United Farm Workers and advocate for fair working conditions and wages for farm workers in California.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential First Ladies in US history. She was married to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and played a significant role in his political career, serving as an advisor and advocate for social justice and human rights.
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist known for her vibrant and colorful self-portraits. She was born in 1907 and suffered from health problems throughout her life, including a debilitating bus accident that left her in constant pain. Despite her challenges, Kahlo persevered and used art as a way to express herself and explore her identity as a Mexican woman.
Jane Goodall is a world-renowned primatologist, conservationist, and advocate for animal rights. She is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe Stream National Park, where she spent many years studying their behavior and social interactions.
Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney who made history in 2020 by becoming the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to be elected as the Vice President of the United States. Harris is known for her powerful speeches and for breaking down barriers for women and minorities in politics.
Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She made history in 1992 when she became the first Black American woman to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She also founded The Jemison Group, a technology and consulting company, and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, which supports education and cultural initiatives.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for women's education and the youngest Nobel Prize winner. She gained international recognition after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012, when she was just 15 years old, for speaking out against their ban on girls' education in Pakistan's Swat Valley. Since then, she has become a global advocate for girls' education, women's rights, and human rights.
Maria Tallchief was a renowned American ballerina of Osage ancestry, born in 1925 in Oklahoma. She is widely considered one of the greatest American ballerinas of all time, known for her technical precision, graceful movements, and captivating stage presence.
Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential and celebrated writers of the 20th century.
Michelle Kwan is a retired American figure skater who is widely considered one of the greatest figure skaters in history. Today, she is an advocate for education and sports diplomacy, and continues to inspire young people around the world.
Michelle Obama is a lawyer, author, and former First Lady of the United States. Michelle Obama became a public figure during her husband Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008 and continued to advocate for various causes during her time as First Lady, including healthy eating and education for girls.
Ruby Bridges is an American civil rights activist who is known for being one of the first African American children to attend an all-white elementary school in the South. Her enrollment sparked protests and boycotts, and she was escorted to school by federal marshals for her safety. Despite facing daily harassment and discrimination, Ruby continued to attend school and receive her education.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was a trailblazing advocate for gender equality and women's rights, and played a pivotal role in advancing these causes throughout her career as a lawyer and judge.
Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who played a vital role in the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition, which explored the newly acquired territory of the United States in the early 1800s. She served as an interpreter and guide, helping the explorers navigate the difficult terrain and communicate with Native American tribes they encountered along the way.
Serena Williams is an American professional tennis player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Off the court, she is an advocate for women's rights and social justice, and has used her platform to promote equality and diversity in sports and beyond.
Sonia Sotomayor is an American lawyer and jurist who became the first Hispanic person to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice. In 2009, she was nominated by President Barack Obama to the Supreme Court and was confirmed by the Senate later that year. Sotomayor is known for her focus on issues related to civil rights, including racial and gender discrimination.
Susan B. Anthony was an American suffragist, abolitionist, and women's rights activist. She played a pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement, dedicating her life to advocating for women's right to vote. Today, Anthony is remembered as a trailblazer for women's rights and a symbol of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist who dedicated her life to promoting sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She was the founder of the Green Belt Movement, an organization that has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya and helped empower rural women through education and entrepreneurship. Maathai was also the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
Of course, it's important to acknowledge that women's history isn't just about famous figures - it's about everyday women who have made a difference in their own small way. Ask your students to think about the women in their own lives who have inspired them, whether it's a mother, grandmother, teacher, or friend. You could even have them write letters of appreciation to these women, letting them know how much they mean to them. Focus on local women in your community such as broadcast journalists, community activities, educators, and local artists who are making an impact in your city, town, or state.
10 Picture Books for Women’s History Month
Picture books are a fantastic way to engage young learners in Women's History Month. Not only are they colorful and eye-catching, but they also provide an accessible entry point for students to learn about historical figures and events.
Here are a few picture books that can be used to teach Women's History Month in the elementary classroom:
"I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark" by Debbie Levy
“I Dissent” tells the story of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who fought tirelessly for gender equality throughout her career. The book covers her early life, her education, and her groundbreaking work as a lawyer and judge. The book's accessible language and engaging illustrations make it an ideal choice for younger students.
"She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World" by Chelsea Clinton
"She Persisted" is a collection of stories about 13 remarkable women who overcame obstacles and made a significant impact on American history. The book includes figures such as Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, and Sonia Sotomayor. Each story is accompanied by vibrant illustrations that help bring the historical figures to life.
"Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly
"Hidden Figures" tells the little-known story of the black women mathematicians who played a critical role in NASA's early space missions. The book highlights the struggles that these women faced as they worked to overcome racism and sexism to succeed in a male-dominated field. The book's illustrations and accessible language make it a great choice for younger students.
"Malala's Magic Pencil" by Malala Yousafzai
"Malala's Magic Pencil" tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist who fought for the right to education for girls. The book details her childhood in Pakistan, her activism, and her eventual shooting by the Taliban. The book's illustrations and language are appropriate for younger readers, and it provides an inspiring example of the power of education and activism.
"Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909" by Michelle Markel
"Brave Girl" tells the story of Clara Lemlich, a young immigrant who led a strike of shirtwaist makers in 1909. The book details the difficult working conditions faced by the workers and Clara's bravery in standing up for their rights. The book's illustrations and accessible language make it a great choice for younger students.
"Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride" by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This book tells the true story of Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, who went on a spontaneous road trip together in 1933, and celebrates their sense of adventure and independent spirits.
"Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls" by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
“Good Night Stories for Rebel girls” contains 100 stories of remarkable women from history and modern times, including Marie Curie, Malala Yousafzai, and Serena Williams, and aims to inspire girls to dream big and reach their full potential.
"Rad American Women A-Z" by Kate Schatz
“Rad American Women A-Z” highlights the stories of 26 American women from different backgrounds who made significant contributions to society, including artists, activists, and scientists. From Angela Davis to Zora Neale Hurston, this book encourages children to learn about and be inspired by women who have made a difference in history.
"Mae Among the Stars" by Roda Ahmed
"Mae Among the Stars" tells the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to go to space. The book follows Mae's childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, her struggles to overcome obstacles and discrimination, and her eventual success in achieving her dream. The book encourages children to follow their passions and not let obstacles stand in their way.
"The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps" by Jeanette Winter
This book tells the story of Jane Goodall, a scientist and conservationist who devoted her life to studying and protecting chimpanzees in Africa. The book shows Jane's deep love and respect for animals, and highlights her scientific contributions and dedication to protecting wildlife.
Using picture books to teach Women's History Month is a great way to engage students in the stories of historical figures and events. These books help to make history accessible and relatable, while also providing students with positive role models to look up to. With the right picture books, students can gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and accomplishments of women throughout history.
Celebrating Women’s History Month with Creativity
Let's explore some creative ideas to celebrate women's history with your students. There are numerous ways to express appreciation for women's history through art, music, and writing. Encourage your students to unleash their creativity and explore new possibilities.
For instance, you could prompt your students to write a poem or a song about their favorite woman in history, highlighting her achievements and impact on society. Take it a step further and have them create a video of them performing their poem or song.
Alternatively, you could have your students create a visual representation of famous women from different eras by making a collage or drawing portraits.
Another idea is to organize a dress-up day where everyone dresses up as their favorite woman in history, giving students the opportunity to learn more about the women they admire and share their stories with others.
Have students engage in book clubs. Using one of the books listed above, or one of your own favorites not listed, organize students into book clubs to read and discuss books about amazing women. Learn more about how to host book clubs here.
Host a gallery walk! Collect books, articles, videos, pictures, and other artifacts for a variety of women and create stations for students to explore to learn about different women. Learn more about gallery walks here.
Invite local women who are making an impact to come in to your classroom. Have them share about the causes they work for and about the contributions they are making in your local communities.
Have students interview an important woman in their life. Turn this in to a writing activity by having students craft the interview questions and record the responses of the person that they are interviewing.
Incorporate Multimedia Instruction to Celebrate Women’s History Month
Want to make sure your providing top-notch 21st century instruction? Incorporate multimedia! From video, to audio and digital activities, learning about Women’s History Month can be as interactive as you’d like it to be!
Here are some of our favorite videos about women who have made or are continue to make an impact in our world:
Mae Jemison: First African American Woman in Space
Chien-Shiung Wu: The First Lady of Physics
Ruby Bridges, Age 6, Integrates New Orleans School
Malala Yousafzai | The Youngest Nobel Prize Winner
What Happened to Amelia Earhart?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Made By Her: Monumental Women
Maria Tallchief: America's First Prima Ballerina
Interactive Biography Research
If multimedia instruction is what you’re looking for, then check out our latest series of LINKtivities: Mini Biographies — and just in time for Women’s History Month! We just uploaded over 20 Mini-Biographies all about amazing women into our LINKtivity Learning library
New to LINKtivities? Check out this post!
We wanted to make celebrating Women’s History Month in your classroom a breeze (and fun!). Inside each of our Mini-Biography LINKtivities on women you’re students will learn about each woman’s early life as well as their accomplishments and contributions.
With each LINKtivity, students can complete a simple recording sheet! Grab your FREE copy of the recording sheet HERE.
Here are some fun ways to use these LINKtivities:
Research Project: Assign, or have students choose, a woman from our collection of women biographies. Students can use the LINKtivity to learn about their figure, complete their recording sheet, and then teach their classmates. Students can also take it a step further and create a poster, PowerPoint presentation, or another visual representation to share with the class.
Morning Work/Bell Work: With enough women in our library to last you all month, students can explore a new figure each day during Women’s History Month!
Morning Meeting: Start your day off with inspiration! If you host a morning meaning each day with your students, highlight a new LINKtivity each day featuring a different woman, and work through the LINKtivity together! Since each Mini-LINKtivity is, well… mini… working through one LINKtivity each day will only take a few minutes!
Fast Finishers: We all have those students who finish their work earlier and need something to keep them engaged while they wait for the rest of the class to catch up! This quick LINKtivities are the perfect time filler with purpose!
At-Home Exploration: Since LINKtivities can be accessed from any digital device with internet - simply send home the links to one more LINKtivities for your students to extend learning outside of the school day!
Become a member of LINKtivity Learning today and get access to our HUGE, growing library of LINKtivities in all content areas!
Women's History Month is a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our world, and to inspire the next generation of changemakers. By highlighting diverse voices, incorporating creative projects, and teaching about the ongoing fight for gender and racial equality, you can help your students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of women's history. So, let's get celebrating!
Don’t leave without your freebie!
Free Biography Sheet
Doing a biography research project in your classroom? Feel free to use our biography sheet with any important figure your students are exploring and learning about!
It’s the perfect, simple graphic organizer for students to collect important information.