7 Homeschooling Lessons for Women’s History Month

1. Honor Women's History Month by including women's voices and contributions in your homeschool lessons.
All too often, the contributions of women are omitted from the core curriculum in American schools. A 2017 report in Smithsonian magazine found the vast majority of historical figures named in textbooks are men.

"According to Smithsonian’s calculations, 737 specific historical figures — 559 men and 178 women, or approximately 1 woman for every 3 men — are mentioned in the standards in place as of 2017. Aside from the individuals explicitly named, many references to women feel like an afterthought," the report stated.

Seek out notable women from each time period you study with your child. Consult this chronological list of famous women in history from History Net to cross-reference events and time periods with women doing the work during that time period.

2. Learn about women's suffrage, voting rights, and voter suppression.
Textbooks often tout the contributions of those involved in the Women's Suffrage Movement. Key players like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton usually get most of the recognition. What history often fails to tell are the stories of the diverse women who worked hard for change.

The women who initially fought for voting rights did so for white women only. Black women then and now are continuing the fight. Create an unbiased account of Women's History Month for kids by creating lessons that do justice to the stories of every woman's plight.

• Learn about Black Suffragists like Mary Ann Shadd Cary and Ida B. Wells. Wells, when she tried to join the national suffrage march in Washington in 1913, was instructed by white women's suffragist, Alice Paul, to march at the back of the line. "Either I go with you or not at all,” Wells told march organizers. “I am not taking this stand because I personally wish for recognition. I am doing it for the future benefit of my whole race.”

• Continue the conversation with discussions about recent voter suppression issues with this Voter Suppression Lesson Plan from the interdisciplinary civics education site, United 4 Social Change.

3. Go on a virtual museum tour or scavenger hunt.
The National Women's History Museum offers a variety of virtual field trips on a rotating basis. In addition to virtual field trips, the site highlights women in the military and female mathematicians during the Space Race.

For a more interactive Women's History Month activity, this Women's History Scavenger Hunt takes students on a virtual trip to learn about the "inspirational stories of women in the arts, sciences, and sports, as well as women who have led countries, civil rights movements, and humanitarian efforts," as stated on the scavenger hunt handout.

4. Learn about history through quotes by famous women.
Katie Reed is a homeschooling mom of four boys. "My kids really enjoy quotes, so we have been focusing on finding quotes from important women to share each day," she told Mom.com. "Each kid (at least the ones who can read) is in charge of finding a quote to share each day, and we discuss what they mean, the circumstances around the quote, and why it's special."

5. Introduce your teen to women from the Bible.
Incorporate A Study of Extraordinary Women in the Bible, by lesson designer, Becca Edens. This free web-based homeschooling course is available on the Schoolhouse Teachers website. The course is geared for grades 6-12 and includes 18 interactive lessons.

6. Study the art styles of famous women artists.
Whether you choose an abstract art drawing in the style of Sonia Delaunay or a fun Laurel Burch cat drawing, this collection of projects inspired by women artists from The Artsy Craftsy Mom, is perfect to keep little hands and minds occupied.

7. Start your day with a Women's History Month morning basket.
Home educator Pam Barnhill coined the phrase, "Morning Basket," as a solution to a common homeschooling dilemma. "These are things you might want to do in your homeschool, but when you sit down to fill out your schedule, they kind of get lost in the middle of the math and the learning to read and the learning how to spell well," she writes on her blog. "Putting those all together in one time and naming it gives it a purpose and means that these things are much more likely to get done."

Jessica from The Waldock Way has created a Women's History Month for kids Morning Basket ideal for children in first grade or elementary age. The basket includes ideas for books, games, and activities to incorporate during Women's History Month.