Memorable Ways to Mark Women’s History Month

By
Jodi

March is Women’s History Month, an opportunity to delve deeper into the the contributions, struggles, and triumphs of amazing women throughout history. Here are some memorable ideas to try in your own classrooms:

Poets, Humanitarians, Civil-Rights Activists, More

Women's History Posters/Writing Cards“We can learn so much from the words of great women!” says The Peanut Gallery. “My Women’s History Posters/Writing Cards resource (grades 2-6) makes a great bulletin board display or writing activity. These posters encourage thinking and great discussion about quotations from various women in history.”

To give her students an overview of the amazing contributions women have made in areas such as education, science, civil rights, and the arts, Marcie Taylor created her Women’s History Interesting Information Poster Pack (grades K-6). Some of the figures featured include Sally Ride, Georgia O’Keefe, and Betsy Ross. She adds, “We’ll be recording the information we learn in our student recording booklets, writing narratives based on the facts we learn, and doing a presentation at the end of the unit.”

One of Linda McCormick’s favorite Women’s History Month resources is her WebQuest-Women Who Left Their “Stamps” on History (grades 4-7). And Women’s History Month Comprehension Stories, Book, & Pictures (grades K-2) from Dr. Mia’s Learning Lab highlights 13 great women including Jane Addams, Joan of Arc, and Marie Curie. “The students read a short story about each woman and then answer comprehension questions.” Women’s History Month ~ Social Studies Unit (grades K-2) has been Teresa Migliore’s best seller. “With multiple activities, it has everything you need!”

Free Women's History Month Writing Activities: Make a Book of Notable Quotables!Happy Teacher Happy Kids has so much fun teaching about women’s history. “I just finished up a new freebie for first and second graders with quotes from notable women and corresponding writing prompts for students to reflect upon. The quotes are all featured in speech bubbles with tracing fonts so you can squeeze in some easy handwriting practice, too.” Check it out:
Free Women’s History Month Writing Activities: Make a Book of Notable Quotables! (grades 1-2)!

Simply Skilled In Second wanted to create a resource that was open-ended and could lend itself to many uses including Women’s History Month, Black History Month, and/or the American Presidents. And so her Famous Americans Research Report Flip Flap Book (grades 1-4) was born!

Looking to focus more closely on an individual influential woman? Then be sure to give these units, lessons, and activities a look:

Maya Angelou

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

This remarkable Renaissance woman is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. She continues to captivate audiences through the energy and beauty of her words. Her accomplishments don’t stop there. Add actress, playwright, and civil-rights activist to the list. Delight your students with resources such as these: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Common Core Aligned Autobiography Unit

  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Common Core Aligned Autobiography Unit (grades 8-12) from Julie Faulkner. She says, “I recently added this 35+ page ebook unit plan to my store. It contains resources and paired texts for Maya Angelou’s autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It’s perfect for women’s history month in ELA or history class!”
  • Common Core Writing Task: Ain’t I a Woman? & Phenomenal Woman (grades 6-11) from OCBeachTeacher. She says, “I love having my American Literature students read texts from celebrated women writers. This is one of my best-selling lessons, and it guides students through close readings of two classics by Sojourner Truth and Maya Angelou. To get students engaged before reading, I ask them to write about their opinions of these two statements: 1. Women have achieved equal rights, and 2. A woman will be elected president within the next two presidential elections. These always create interesting conversations and pique student interest! Then, after students finish reading and analyzing the two texts, they write a response about how women are portrayed in Sojourner Truth’s speech and Maya Angelou’s poem. In addition to honoring women’s achievements, this lesson serves as a useful test preparation activity.”

Susan B. Anthony

“Failure is impossible.” – Susan B. Anthony

An American social reformer, Anthony played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement. She helped found the National Women’s Suffrage Association, and it was through this organization that Anthony worked toward securing women the right to vote. Introduce your class to this civil-rights leader, with resources including: Susan B. Anthony Interactive Notebook Activities (History People Pockets)

Clara Barton

“The door that nobody else will go in at, seems always to swing open widely for me.” – Clara Barton

A pioneer nurse who founded the American Red Cross, Barton also worked as a teacher, a patent clerk, and a humanitarian. Here are some ways to introduce your students to this kind-hearted woman who built a career by helping others: Clara Barton Reading Passage and Comprehension Questions


Amelia Earhart

“The most effective way to do it is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart

As the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Earhart remains a symbol of power and perseverance. Teach your students about Earhart’s amazing feats, using resources such as:  Quick Quotations: Amelia Earhart

Helen Keller

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” – Helen Keller

An author, political activist, and lecturer, Keller was the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Open your students’ minds to the life of this remarkable individual, with the help of resources such as: Helen Keller Journeys Second Grade 6 Centers Language Arts Skills

Rosa Parks

“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.” – Rosa Parks

Her single act of defiance sparked a movement that ended legal segregation in America and made her an inspiration to millions. Use these resources to help your students learn more about this brave and relentless lady: Rosa Parks for Early Learners

Eleanor Roosevelt

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Throughout her time as First Lady, and for the remainder of her life, she was a huge supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, of equal rights for women, and of social reforms to uplift the poor. Use resources such as these to teach your classes about Roosevelt’s amazing accomplishments:Eleanor Roosevelt Activity Pack

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These incredible women are real-life examples of all that is possible when others are adamant that nothing is possible.

(Feature image thanks to Stylish School Counselor’s Inspirational Posters (Set of 3)

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