Each year in my elementary art classroom, students learn about a diverse group of black men and women in honor of Black History Month (this activity, though, is relevant throughout the year).
We create trading cards to honor people who inspire us with their accomplishments.
Before we begin the project, we discuss what kinds of accomplishments are commendable. This helps students understand the difference between a celebrity and someone who has made a meaningful contribution to our country. The students select someone from a collection of over 100 men and women. These people have done great things in the fields of science, literature, sports, music, government, art, civil rights, entertainment, community service and more.
In advance of this unit, I created folders for each honoree, which includes a brief, kid-friendly biography and a black-andwhite photograph or line drawing of the person. The students use the photos or drawings to create their own fullcolor portrait on the front of a blank index card. They use the biographical information to add pertinent facts, such as the person’s name, date of birth or death and their accomplishments. The back of the card is decorated with images and symbols that relate to those accomplishments.
When the students have finished their cards, they answer two questions: What did you like about making your trading cards? And why did you pick this person? My favorite comment— among many—came from a third-grader: “I liked learning about what these amazing people did to help America, whether they helped stop slavery or whether they were inventors.”
My students look forward to this art project and usually make more cards than required. They are building a collection to treasure for years to come. It’s been such a hit that I plan to expand this project beyond Black History Month. It will include people from all races and ethnicities who have contributed to our nation in some way.
Helen Goren Shafton
Park View Elementary &
West field Elementary
Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Click here for content related standards
Check out samples of student trading cards (PDF)
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(Aug. 2011)
