TeachersFirst - Featured Sites: Week of Jun 14, 2026
Juneteenth Resources and Stories
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Teaching Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom - National Education Association
Grades
K to 12
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The NEA's resource page for Juneteenth provides a curated collection of lesson plans, videos, and background readings designed to help K-12 educators teach the complex history of emancipation...more
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The NEA's resource page for Juneteenth provides a curated collection of lesson plans, videos, and background readings designed to help K-12 educators teach the complex history of emancipation and the enduring legacy of slavery. It emphasizes the importance of an honest and accurate American history curriculum, offering tools (and books and videos) for different grade levels to explore themes of resilience, the struggle for racial equity, and the transition from enslavement to citizenship.
tag(s): african american (130), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can use Witty Comics, reviewed here to create a comic about the history of Juneteenth. Students can compare and contrast books about Juneteenth using the Interactive 2 Circle Venn Diagram by ReadWriteThink, reviewed here. Students can create a virtual bulletin board using Stormboard, reviewed here sharing facts that they learned about Juneteenth.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Celebrating Juneteenth - National Geographics Kids
Grades
2 to 6
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Learn about the history of the creation of Juneteenth as a holiday. This site begins with the end of slavery, moves on to the proclamation of celebration, and finally explains ...more
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Learn about the history of the creation of Juneteenth as a holiday. This site begins with the end of slavery, moves on to the proclamation of celebration, and finally explains how it became a federal holiday.
tag(s): african american (130), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can use Timeline Infographic Templates by Canva, reviewed here to create a timeline from the end of slavery to the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Students can use Book Creator, reviewed here to create a Juneteenth book sharing facts that they learned about the holiday. Students can use Genially, reviewed here to create a digital quiz or game about Juneteenth.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teaching Your Kids about Juneteenth - Port Discovery Children's Museum
Grades
2 to 6
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Teaching Your Kids about Juneteenth: The Responsibility, the Importance, and the Meaning is a quick read that highlights: What is Juneteenth, the Meaning of Juneteenth, and shares...more
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Teaching Your Kids about Juneteenth: The Responsibility, the Importance, and the Meaning is a quick read that highlights: What is Juneteenth, the Meaning of Juneteenth, and shares additional resources. Resources include links, videos, and books. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos might not be viewable.
tag(s): Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can view the resources that are available and create a presentation sharing their understanding of Juneteenth using Aha Slides, reviewed here. Students can create a timeline on how Juneteenth became a federal holiday using Turbo Timeline Generator, reviewed here. Finally, students can create a comic telling the story of Juneteenth using Cartoon Comic Maker, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Celebrating Juneteenth - Museum of the City of New York
Grades
3 to 12
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The Museum of the City of New York's "Celebrating Juneteenth" page provides historical background, poetry, music, and reflection activities that help students explore the meaning and...more
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The Museum of the City of New York's "Celebrating Juneteenth" page provides historical background, poetry, music, and reflection activities that help students explore the meaning and significance of Juneteenth. The resource explains the history of the holiday, including the events of June 19, 1865, and features multimedia components such as spoken-word performances, interviews, and guided poetry-writing exercises featuring poet Shanelle Gabriel. Teachers can use the site to support discussions about freedom, identity, Black history, civic understanding, and creative expression while integrating social studies, ELA, poetry, and culturally responsive learning into the classroom. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): african american (130), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33), poetry (196)
In the Classroom
After learning about the history of Juneteenth, have students create a classroom timeline using MyLens, reviewed here that highlights important events from the Emancipation Proclamation through June 19, 1865, and modern Juneteenth celebrations. Students can add illustrations, quotes, and historical facts. Encourage students to complete a reflection journal activity in which they respond to prompts about equality, justice, and civic responsibility. Pair the writing activity with small-group discussions to build speaking and listening skills. Use the spoken-word poetry examples on the site as mentor texts, and have students write their own poems about freedom, identity, hope, or community. Students can perform their poems during a classroom poetry celebration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Juneteenth Lesson Plan: Resources for ELA & Social Studies - Newsela
Grades
K to 12
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Newsela offers a collection of Juneteenth lesson ideas and resources designed to help teachers explore the history, significance, and lasting impact of Juneteenth through ELA and social...more
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Newsela offers a collection of Juneteenth lesson ideas and resources designed to help teachers explore the history, significance, and lasting impact of Juneteenth through ELA and social studies instruction. The article includes differentiated reading materials, multimedia analysis activities, primary sources, historical speeches, videos, timelines, and discussion prompts that help students build background knowledge while strengthening literacy and critical thinking skills. Teachers can find lessons connected to emancipation, the Emancipation Proclamation, Frederick Douglass, Black history, and modern conversations about freedom and equality. The site also highlights ready-to-use text sets and classroom activities that support culturally responsive teaching and cross-curricular learning for elementary through high school students.
tag(s): african american (130), differentiation (92), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33), multimedia (62)
In the Classroom
Have students read a differentiated Newsela article about Juneteenth and create a timeline using Padlet, reviewed here showing important events leading to the end of slavery in the United States. Students can add illustrations, key vocabulary, and cause-and-effect relationships. Create a classroom "Freedom Quilt" project where students design quilt squares representing themes such as freedom, resilience, equality, family, or community. Combine the squares into a collaborative classroom display. Have students compare Juneteenth celebrations today with other national holidays by using a graphic organizer using the 2 and 3 Interactive Venn Diagrams by Class Tools, reviewed here to examine traditions, historical significance, symbols, music, food, and community events.
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30 Juneteenth Crafts and Activities That Kids Will Love - Crafting A Fun Life
Grades
K to 5
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Explore this collection of creative, hands-on Juneteenth activities designed to help children learn about Freedom Day in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The site includes a wide...more
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Explore this collection of creative, hands-on Juneteenth activities designed to help children learn about Freedom Day in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The site includes a wide variety of crafts such as flag projects, sensory bins, bracelets, watercolor art, mosaics, confetti poppers, and painting activities that can be used in classrooms, summer programs, or at home. Many activities use simple materials and include printable resources, such as free coloring pages, making them easy for teachers to incorporate into social studies, art, cultural celebrations, and discussions about history, freedom, and community.
tag(s): african american (130), crafts (111), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33), preK (322)
In the Classroom
Read a picture book about Juneteenth and have students complete one of the themed crafts from the website, such as bracelets, flags, or watercolor art, to connect history with creative expression. Create a Juneteenth Freedom Mosaic using construction paper or tissue paper while discussing the meaning of freedom, community, and celebration. Students can write words or phrases representing freedom around their artwork. Set up Juneteenth activity stations that include coloring pages, sensory bins, and collaborative art projects. Students can rotate through stations while learning important historical facts and symbols connected to the holiday.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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James Earl Jones Reads Frederick Douglass - prosario2000
Grades
8 to 12
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In this brief YouTube video, the actor James Earl Jones delivers a powerful reading of an excerpt from Frederick Douglass's 1852 speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of ...more
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In this brief YouTube video, the actor James Earl Jones delivers a powerful reading of an excerpt from Frederick Douglass's 1852 speech, "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" In the speech, Douglass, who was born into slavery and later became a leading abolitionist, challenges listeners to reflect on the contradiction between America's celebration of freedom and the reality of slavery. His words encourage thoughtful discussion of liberty, equality, and how the nation's founding ideals did not align with the lived experiences of enslaved people.
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tag(s): Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can learn more about the speech using Kiddle, reviewed here. Students can use Figma, reviewed here to compare and contrast this speech to another famous speech. Students can create a word cloud using WordClouds, reviewed here to share the message of the speech.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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A Juneteenth Gathering - Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility
Grades
5 to 8
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The Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility hosts A Juneteenth Gathering. The website includes an Introduction to Juneteenth, Resources, a Juneteenth Circle, Closing,...more
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The Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility hosts A Juneteenth Gathering. The website includes an Introduction to Juneteenth, Resources, a Juneteenth Circle, Closing, an Extended Learning Activity, Additional Resources, and NYC Juneteenth Events.
tag(s): holidays (285), Juneteenth (33)
In the Classroom
Students can create a word cloud using WordClouds, reviewed here to describe Juneteenth. Students can use Time Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here to create a timeline of how Juneteenth became a national holiday. Students can learn more about Juneteenth by using Kidrex, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth - National Museum of African American History & Culture
Grades
3 to 12
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This site is dedicated to the historical legacy of Juneteenth and offers an in-depth exploration of this significant date in American history. It provides a comprehensive overview of...more
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This site is dedicated to the historical legacy of Juneteenth and offers an in-depth exploration of this significant date in American history. It provides a comprehensive overview of Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States, and delves into its historical context and significance. The site features a rich collection of articles, photographs, and educational resources that shed light on the events leading up to June 19, 1865, and this day's ongoing impact and celebration. Additionally, it includes personal narratives and historical documents that offer insights into the African American experience and the struggle for freedom and equality. This resource serves as an educational tool for understanding the importance of Juneteenth in American history and its relevance today.
tag(s): african american (130), black history (130), civil war (145), holidays (285), Juneteenth (33), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Have students express their understanding of Juneteenth through creative art by exploring the different themes of Juneteenth. After students explore the toolkit, they can create artwork or digital posters representing what Juneteenth means to them, using multimedia software like Canva, reviewed here. They can use the shareable graphics as inspiration. Facilitate a class discussion or debate on the impact of Juneteenth today, using resources from the toolkit to start the conversation. Students can use digital platforms like Padlet, reviewed here, to share their thoughts and responses. To enhance your study on black history, have your students research the history of Juneteenth and its significance. They can then create a digital timeline using a tool like MyLens, reviewed here showing key events that led up to Juneteenth and what happened afterward.
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America's Second Independence Day - Juneteenth - TeachersFirst
Grades
K to 12
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America's Second Independence Day - Juneteenth is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here that shares...more
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America's Second Independence Day - Juneteenth is part of the TeachersFirst Help! I Lost My Library/Media Specialist series reviewed here that shares book ideas and resources for teaching about Juneteenth. This resource includes background knowledge information, activities, book suggestions, and ideas for extending learning. Information includes correlation to ISTE and AASL standards.
tag(s): black history (130), book lists (161), civil rights (217), emancipation proclamation (14), Juneteenth (33), slavery (79), texas (7)
In the Classroom
Use the suggested activities and book lists to find resources for teaching about Juneteenth in your classroom. Include these lessons as part of Black History Month and when teaching about United States history and civil rights. Engage students in learning about Juneteenth by asking them to create interactive presentations using Genially, reviewed here. Search for Juneteenth on Genially to find a template to use when presenting Juneteenth to students or for students to use to share their knowledge on this topic. Extend learning using IdeaBoardz, reviewed here, an online interactive whiteboard, to share additional resources, add polls, diagrams, sketches, and more using Figjam.
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The Birth of Juneteenth; Voices of the Enslaved - Library of Congress and Neely Tucker
Grades
8 to 12
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This article highlights the firsthand accounts and narratives of formerly enslaved individuals to shed light on their experiences and the impact of the announcement of the Emancipation...more
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This article highlights the firsthand accounts and narratives of formerly enslaved individuals to shed light on their experiences and the impact of the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. It shares how the transmission of the news of freedom was delayed, along with the reactions and celebrations of the newly freed enslaved people. The article includes many links to primary source materials, including an extensive collection of stories from "Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936 - 1938."
tag(s): black history (130), civil rights (217), civil war (145), Juneteenth (33), primary sources (134), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Bookmark and save this article to use when planning lessons on Juneteenth, slavery, or the Civil War, both as a resource of quality information and to access the many primary source links found in the article. Visit the Library of Congress: For Teachers, reviewed here to search and find many more Juneteenth-related documents. Engage students in learning more about Juneteenth by asking them to research information through different focus points. For example, this article discusses specific cities, people, and architecture. Ask students to share their learning by creating infographics using templates from Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here or Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Teaching Juneteenth - Learning for Justice and Coshandra Dillard
Grades
8 to 12
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This article discusses several lenses for teaching Juneteenth and recognizing the challenges those fighting injustices face. Focus topics include Culture as Resistance, Understanding...more
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This article discusses several lenses for teaching Juneteenth and recognizing the challenges those fighting injustices face. Focus topics include Culture as Resistance, Understanding Emancipation, Backlash to Freedom, and American Ideals. Within each subject, the author discusses why each perspective is relevant to student understanding of the importance of Juneteenth as part of American history. No account is required to read this article on Learning for Justice; however, free registration allows readers to bookmark the report as a favorite and add it to a learning plan.
tag(s): black history (130), civil rights (217), civil war (145), Juneteenth (33), racism (80), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Include this article with your other resources for teaching about Juneteenth, Civil Rights, and slavery to use as a guide for lesson planning. As you gather resources to teach about each focus topic, organize information using Padlet, reviewed here. Create a column within your Padlet for each topic, then add links to your teaching resources. Alternatively, use Wakelet, reviewed here to save and organize resources by creating a collection for each topic. Engage students in Juneteenth lessons using Curipod's lesson generators, reviewed here. For example, use the Did You Know generator to create slides with information about Juneteenth or the Lesson Hook Generator to build a set of slides with open-ended questions for students to discuss. Extend student learning by asking them to create and share podcasts exploring Juneteenth through the different lenses discussed in the article. Buzzsprout, reviewed here offers free tools for creating and sharing professional-looking podcasts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth - National Museum of African American History and Culture
Grades
K to 6
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This printable document from the National Museum of African American History and Culture provides information and resources to support students' understanding of Juneteenth. Content...more
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This printable document from the National Museum of African American History and Culture provides information and resources to support students' understanding of Juneteenth. Content includes the history of Juneteenth and the importance of why young children should be included in Juneteenth celebrations. Additional sections share suggestions on when and how to discuss slavery with young children and suggested questions for age-appropriate discussions about slavery. Other links to books and online resources are available at the end of the document.
tag(s): black history (130), civil rights (217), Juneteenth (33), slavery (79)
In the Classroom
Use this document as a resource for understanding Juneteenth while taking advantage of the suggestions for discussing slavery and civil rights in age-appropriate ways. Share this information with parents to help them understand the history of Juneteenth. As you talk about the questions found in this article, use Draw.Chat, reviewed here to add and share student comments and add images to enhance understanding. For example, ask students to describe "freedom" and then use text boxes to add their comments. During your discussion, upload images that depict freedom in several different forms. Extend learning by asking students to write and share stories using the prompt found in this document to tell about positive changes they would like to make in the world. Use PDFescape, reviewed here to write the stories, then, use PDF to Flipbook Converter, reviewed here to turn their PDFs into an online flippable book.
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What is Juneteenth, and Why is it Important? - Ted-Ed
Grades
2 to 8
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When did slavery actually end in the United States? Learn about the story of Union General Gordon Granger and his march of troops into Galveston, Texas, on June 19th, as ...more
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When did slavery actually end in the United States? Learn about the story of Union General Gordon Granger and his march of troops into Galveston, Texas, on June 19th, as he announced that all enslaved people were free by completing this interactive lesson and video presentation. In addition to the animated video, this lesson includes multiple and short response questions, additional resources to dig deeper, and further discussion questions. Create a free account with Ted-Ed to save and customize this lesson. The video is hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then it may not be viewable.
tag(s): black history (130), civil rights (217), Juneteenth (33), slavery (79), texas (7)
In the Classroom
Share this lesson with students to complete at school or as a flipped learning lesson. On their own or with a partner, have students answer the multiple-choice and open-answer questions by clicking on "Think." Then, consider having small student groups read the additional information inside the Dig Deeper section and investigate the links with the information. Following that, have groups share the information with other class members. For a mini project like this, consider using the tools available at Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here for students to create presentations, infographics, and other visual media. Another project suggestion would be to have small groups of students investigate the story of Juneteenth further through different perspectives, such as those of a soldier, Texas citizens, or children. You could have them produce an animated video using a program like Animoto, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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