Weekly Activities

Summary:

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.

From the wheels of a bicycle to the robe on Thurgood Marshall's back, Black surrounds our lives. It is a color to simply describe some of our favorite things, but it also evokes a deeper sentiment about the incredible people who helped change the world and a community that continues to grow and thrive.

Discussion Questions:

• In the book, the narrator's favorite colour is black. Why do you think she likes black? What's your favourite colour? Why?

• The narrator describes herself in the book. How would you describe yourself? You can use words or pictures.

• Is race an important part of someone’s life? Why is race important, and does it define you?

• Is a person the colour of their skin, their eyes, and their hair?

• If they were to change their skin, hair, and eyes would they be the same person?

• Is race an important part of your story? If so, why? If not, why?

• Does your story begin when you were born? Why or why not?

• What makes up your story? Favorite food? Hobbies? Religion? Nationality? Favorite color? Race?

• Is skin color a part of your story?

• How does the color of your skin affect you?

• What is the important thing about your story?

Writing

The writing in "Black is a Rainbow Color" is poetic. For example "Black are the branches that carry my name: weaving, wrapping, lifting, laughing, hoping, grasping, quiet, strong."

Write a cinquain poem using the following pattern. Write the poem about yourself. Who are you?

first line: 1 word

second line: 2 words

third line: 3 words

fourth line: 4 words

fifth line: 1 word

Art

Your Rainbow

The narrator's favourite colour is black. She said that black is a colour in her rainbow.

Draw a rainbow with all of YOUR favourite colours. Use your imagination!

Learn More

In the book, we read about many important people in Black History. Learn more about them below.

Make a rainbow any way you like. You can build it with craft materials, paint or colour it on paper, use food colour in water, oil, or milk. explore all the different ways you can make a rainbow!

This week's website is CBC Kids.

It is operated by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. This website has educational games, videos and articles. It has an excellent kids news site.