ClassX Video Lessons Women’s History Month | Learn about women throughout history and why we celebrate them in March
Did you know that every March, people in America celebrate Women’s History Month? It’s a special time to learn about the amazing things women have done throughout history. Let’s dive into how Women’s History Month started and why it’s important to celebrate it.
You might have heard of famous women like Harriet Tubman and Abigail Adams, but have you heard of Eleanor Dare or Mary Chilton? Eleanor Dare was part of the Roanoke Colony in 1587 and is believed to have had the first English child born in North America. Mary Chilton, at just 12 years old, was so excited to leave the Mayflower ship that she jumped into the water and became the first person to step onto Plymouth Rock!
These stories were hidden for a long time until historians found them. This is why learning about women’s history is so important.
For a long time, history was mostly written by men, and women didn’t have the same opportunities. In colonial America, women couldn’t own property or vote. Many girls couldn’t go to school, and if they did, they often didn’t learn the same things as boys. This was because people believed women were not equal to men, an idea that seems unfair today.
While boys learned subjects like reading, writing, and math, girls were often taught how to manage a household. This difference in education created an imbalance in power between men and women, which is why celebrating Women’s History Month is so important. It helps us remember and honor the contributions of women throughout history.
Women’s History Month started with a small group of people who wanted to make sure women’s achievements were recognized. In March 1978, educators in Santa Rosa, California, organized a Women’s History Week to highlight women’s contributions. They chose March to match International Women’s Day on March 8th.
By 1980, the idea had spread across the country, and President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. He wanted to make sure people knew how important women’s achievements were.
A year later, Congress officially recognized Women’s History Week, and seven years after that, they made March Women’s History Month. Now, every year, the National Women’s History Alliance picks a theme for the month, and we celebrate the incredible stories of women.
There are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month. You can read books about inspiring women, watch documentaries, or even write about a woman who inspires you. It’s a great time to learn and share stories about the amazing things women have done.
Thanks for joining us in learning about Women’s History Month! For more resources and fun activities, visit learnbrite.org.
Research and create a timeline of significant events and achievements by women throughout history. Use colorful markers and paper to illustrate your timeline, and include at least one event from each century. Share your timeline with the class and discuss why each event is important.
Choose a woman from history who inspires you and write her a letter. In your letter, express what you admire about her achievements and how her story has impacted you. Share your letter with a classmate and discuss the different women you each chose.
Work in groups to create a quiz about women’s history. Each group should come up with five questions based on what you’ve learned about Women’s History Month. Host a quiz competition in class and see which team can answer the most questions correctly!
Create a poster that highlights the achievements of women in various fields such as science, art, politics, and sports. Use images and facts to make your poster informative and visually appealing. Display your poster in the classroom to inspire others.
Choose a lesser-known woman from history and research her life and contributions. Prepare a short presentation to share her story with the class. Focus on why her contributions were significant and how they have influenced the world today.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
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Welcome to Women’s History Month! Did you know that every March, Americans celebrate Women’s History Month? Today, we are going to discuss the origins of Women’s History Month and why it is important to celebrate.
You may have heard of famous women in American history like Harriet Tubman and Abigail Adams, but what about Eleanor Dare or Mary Chilton? Eleanor Dare traveled to the Roanoke Colony in 1587 and is believed to have given birth to the first English child born on the North American continent. At just 12 years old, Mary Chilton was so eager to disembark from the Mayflower that she jumped into the water and waded ashore, making her the first person from the ship to set foot on Plymouth Rock.
These stories were not widely known until historians uncovered the information, which is why understanding women’s history is essential.
Now, let’s take a moment to discuss world history with a focus on women’s contributions. For much of history, narratives have primarily been written by men, as women often faced inequality and lacked access to the same opportunities and education.
For example, in colonial America, women could not own property or vote in elections. In many places, girls were not allowed to attend school, and if they were, they often did not receive the same education as boys. This was due to societal beliefs that women were fundamentally unequal to men, an idea that seems outdated today but has persisted throughout history as a result of patriarchy—a system where men hold power and women are largely excluded.
While men were taught academic skills like reading, writing, and mathematics, women were often instructed in domestic arts and household management. These educational disparities contributed to the power imbalance between genders, which continues to some extent today. This is why celebrating Women’s History Month is so important; it allows us to recognize the contributions of women, both in the present and throughout history.
So, how did Women’s History Month come to be? Like many historical movements, it began with a small group of individuals who recognized the need for a more inclusive historical narrative. In March 1978, a group of educators in Santa Rosa, California, sought to promote women’s equality and raise awareness of women’s significant historical contributions. They organized a Women’s History Week to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8th.
By 1980, the movement had gained national attention, including from President Jimmy Carter. After discussions with women’s groups and historians, President Carter proclaimed the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. He emphasized that too often, women’s contributions went unrecognized, and that the achievements of women were just as vital as those of men.
One year later, Congress officially recognized the week of March 8th as Women’s History Week. Seven years after that, Congress passed a law allowing the president to proclaim March as Women’s History Month, which has been celebrated ever since. The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) has since selected a yearly theme for the month, and the rest, as they say, is her story.
What are some ways you can celebrate the contributions of women throughout history?
Thank you for joining us! Visit us at learnbrite.org for thousands of free resources and turnkey solutions for teachers and homeschoolers.
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Women – Females who have played important roles in society throughout history. – Women have made significant contributions to history, such as leading movements for equal rights.
History – The study of past events and how they shape the present and future. – In history class, we learned about the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia.
America – A continent that includes North, Central, and South America, or often refers to the United States. – The history of America includes the stories of Native Americans, European settlers, and the founding of the United States.
Achievements – Important accomplishments or successes reached by individuals or groups. – The achievements of civil rights leaders have greatly influenced social justice in the world.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially in schools. – Education has been a key factor in improving opportunities for people throughout history.
Colonial – Relating to the period when countries established colonies in other lands. – During the colonial period, many European countries established settlements in the Americas.
Equality – The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. – The fight for equality has been a major theme in history, with many people working to ensure equal rights for all.
Contributions – Things given or added to a cause or situation to help it succeed. – The contributions of various cultures have enriched the history and development of societies around the world.
Celebrate – To honor or mark an event or occasion with festivities or ceremonies. – Every year, we celebrate Independence Day to remember the founding of our nation.
Stories – Accounts of past events or experiences, often shared to teach or entertain. – The stories of historical figures like Harriet Tubman inspire us to learn more about the past.
