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Bookmarking our history |
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Take your children and their guests on a legendary journey through art, history and the American experience by celebrating the contributions of African Americans during Black History month with a book club party.
Enlightening entertaining and timeless literature can open a child's mind to the riches of African American culture and its storied history.
With a little imagination and a minimum of expense, the children can explore our nation's black heritage, and have a lot of fun in the process.
The setting for our book club party is the dining room table. Kente fabric from Ghana bathes the table in vivid color -- bold red, goldenrod and forest green -- providing the perfect landscape to delight the kids while learning.
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Inexpensive objects found at neighborhood ethnic shops enhance the mood and ambience of the day. In addition, they can be used as visual aids throughout the party and story time.
Fruit and vegetables add texture and color; organic elements, such as the wooden figurines and wrought iron baskets give focus and substance to the table. A gigantic stuffed animal adds a touch of whimsy and an element of magic to the celebration.
The books, while the centerpiece for lively dialogue, also serve as a functional design element when placed randomly about the table. Select books for display that have brightly colored images. This too, will help to keep the children participating in the day's events.
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Before the party, allow each child to select a book. Once you know the selection, send out paper dolls invitations depicting the lives and careers of some of America's most distinguished African Americans. On each invitation include the book choices of each child. Encourage each child to choose a passage to read aloud at the party, and also, if time permitting, have them. study up on their book.
No child's party is complete without a craft. For this event, it's only natural to have them make book markers. Spread about crayons, markers, fabrics and other embellishments to spark their creativity.
Food is also integral to a child's party. Keep the menu simple and kid-friendly with munchies, beverages and a refreshing dessert, such as ice cream, which was the idea of a little-known African American named Sally Shadd.
Shadd, who was a slave, came up with a frozen cream sugar and fruit dessert that was served in 1812 at the inaugural of President James Madison.(cq)
As the children weave their way through the books, they're sure to discover many other African Americans who made significant contributions to society.
And learning about these links to the past can only enhance their lives for years to come.
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