Juneteenth is a special day celebrated in the United States on June 19th. It’s a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the country and the hard work it took to get there. Although it started in Texas, Juneteenth has become a national holiday celebrated by people of all backgrounds.
ThinkFives talked with elementary school teachers about the best way to explain this to younger students. Here are some suggested ideas to share about why it’s important, and how people celebrate it. We’ll also share some fun activities for kids to do to celebrate Juneteenth. Let’s dive in!
Written for Younger Students
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a special day celebrated on June 19th to remember when slavery ended in the United States. It started in Texas a long time ago when people who were slaves found out that they were free. Juneteenth is a time to think about how people fought for freedom and how they keep working hard for fairness and respect.
Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th because it’s the day when people who were slaves in Texas found out they were free. This was after President Abraham Lincoln signed a paper that said all people who were slaves in the Confederate states were free. But not everyone knew about it right away. It took two years for the news to reach everyone.
Today, Juneteenth is a special day when people celebrate the end of slavery and the hard work it took to get there. People have parties, parades, and other fun activities to remember and honor the people who fought for freedom.
Why is it Important?
Juneteenth is important because it celebrates the end of slavery and reminds us of how hard people had to fight for freedom. It’s a time to remember the people who were treated unfairly and fought for what was right.
Juneteenth is also a time to celebrate African American culture and to learn about the important contributions African Americans have made to our country.
Juneteenth has been celebrated for over 150 years, but it was not always recognized as an official holiday. It started in Texas a long time ago and has grown over the years to become a national holiday.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a paper to make Juneteenth a special day for everyone in the country.
What are Some Activities that You Can Do to Celebrate?
You can celebrate Juneteenth by learning about the history of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. You can read books, watch movies or documentaries, or even visit historical sites related to the African American experience. You can also create art, write stories or poems, or participate in a community event to celebrate and honor the day.
There are many events held on Juneteenth that children and families can attend, such as parades, concerts, and festivals. These events often showcase African American music, dance, food, and culture. Some events also have educational activities, such as workshops or exhibits, that teach about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
Are There Books I Can Read about Juneteenth?
Yes, there are many great books that young students can read to learn about Juneteenth. Here are a few recommendations:
“All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom” by Angela Johnson and E.B) Lewis: This book tells the story of a family’s celebration of Juneteenth and explains the history behind the holiday in a way that is easy for children to understand.
“Juneteenth for Mazie” by Floyd Cooper: This book is about a young girl named Mazie who learns about Juneteenth from her grandfather. It’s a great introduction to the holiday for young children.
“Freedom’s Gifts: A Juneteenth Story” by Valerie Wesley: This book tells the story of a family’s celebration of Juneteenth and emphasizes the importance of freedom and family.
“Juneteenth Jamboree” by Carole Boston Weatherford and Yvonne Buchanan: This book is a collection of poems and songs that celebrate Juneteenth and African American history.
Can I Challenge My Students with a Few Questions?
Here are 10 fun facts about Juneteenth rephrased as multiple-choice questions for 1st grade students.
- What is Juneteenth?
A) A holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States
B) A holiday celebrating the beginning of summer
C) A holiday celebrating the end of the school year - When is Juneteenth celebrated?
A) June 19th
B) July 4th
C) September 1st - Where did Juneteenth originate?
A) Texas
B) California
C) New York - Why is Juneteenth significant?
A) It marks the day when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Texas, freeing the last enslaved people in the United States
B) It marks the day when Texas became a state
C) It marks the day when the Civil War began - Who declared the Emancipation Proclamation?
A) President Abraham Lincoln
B) President George Washington
C) President Thomas Jefferson - What is the Emancipation Proclamation?
A) document that declared all enslaved people in the Confederate states to be free
B) A document that declared all Native American tribes to be free
C) A document that declared all women to be free - What is a symbol of Juneteenth?
A) The color red
B) The color blue
C) The color green - What food is often eaten on Juneteenth?
A) Barbecue
B) Pizza
C) Tacos - How is Juneteenth celebrated?
A) With parades, festivals, and community gatherings
B) With silent meditation
C) With fireworks - What is the meaning of Juneteenth?
A) Celebrating freedom, justice, and equality
B) Celebrating the start of summer
C) Celebrating a historical event
Do you have any ideas to share with colleagues on how to discuss Juneteenth with students?
I like having the questions for students to help learn about this day. Thanks for sharing!
Love the questions to get them thinking! 💡