Women’s History Heroes to Study in Your Homeschool

Published:
February 1, 2022

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Learn about the contributions of women to events in history as you celebrate National Women’s History Month. There are so many brave women to learn about this month, from Rosa Parks to Harriet Tubman, and Amelia Earhart to Susan B. Anthony. Here are some ideas for celebrating Women’s History Month and how women’s contributions have strengthened our country over the years.

Women's History Heroes to Study in Your Homeschool with graphic art of diverse women

Background to Women’s History Month

The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 to celebrate the achievements of women. By 1978, Women’s History Week was celebrated by the education task force of the Sonoma County school district of Sonoma, California. The success of this celebration led to additional celebrations by communities and school districts. 

Finally, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation to establish National Women’s History Week during the week of March 8th. By 1987, Congress passed a resolution which designated the entire month of March as Women’s History Month after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project. Now this national celebration is acknowledged every March.

International Women’s Day is also celebrated globally in March to recognize women’s contributions to society. This date was set by the United Nations in 1975 to further gender equality and promote the status of women globally.

Women’s History Month Themes

Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance comes up with a theme for that year’s celebrations. In 2021, the year’s theme focused on the women’s suffrage movement and was titled Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing To Be Silenced. You can dive into the topic of women’s suffrage in the United States and learn about women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Did you know that even Abigail Adams wrote to her husband to “remember the ladies” when the Continental Congress was establishing a new government?

The 2020 theme focused on the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote and the centennial celebrations of the 19th amendment. This month provides a great opportunity to learn about constitutional amendments and the process of adopting new ones.

2022 Theme

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” It’s a way to recognize frontline workers and caregivers during the last year. As you talk to your kids about the way women have helped those around them throughout history, consider learning about nurses during some of our wars. People like Clara Barton were trailblazers in the field of diplomacy and nursing. Although she had no formal training as a nurse, she became the most famous nurse in U.S. history!

And who can forget the story of Molly Pitcher during the Revolutionary War? Deep dive into famous women from American history this month.

Educational Resources

Many libraries have picture books of famous women that you can read in your homeschool. Consider finding videos to watch to help you learn more about women’s contributions through the years. Dress up like these women and write a short play about their lives. Or sketch out a poster with your favorite woman from history.

Consider these amazing women leaders as you look for educational resources this month:

A Fun Way to Celebrate Women’s History Month

Another fun way to celebrate women’s history month is to support women entrepreneurs in your hometown. Write a thank you card to an influential woman in your life! Support a women’s nonprofit organization. Learn about the history of women entrepreneurs in your area.

As you’re figuring out how to celebrate Women’s History Month, consider a field trip without leaving your home. The National Women’s History Museum offers online exhibits during Women’s History Month. You can learn about female artists while you visit online galleries. Go ahead and create self-portraits with your kids after being inspired by your virtual event.

Note to parents: you may want to pre-screen The National Women’s History Museum website before visiting it with your children as there are some worldview conflicting topics presented. 

Family History

What better way to honor women of the past than to take a fun detour down your own family tree? Grab the photo albums, the old family videos, and the handwritten notes as you teach your kids about their own family history. 

Trace the movement of your ancestors across the ocean or across the country as you learn where they lived. What was happening at that time in history? What professions did they enjoy? How many children did they have? 

Then, if you are fortunate enough to have some family recipes on hand, make a special dinner or dessert with those tried-and-true recipes from your grandmother and great-grandmother.

Map out a huge family tree if you can and trace the women in your family to see where you’ve been and talk about the challenges they were able to overcome. Consider creating a family scrapbook with the interesting tidbits that you learn along the way. It will become a cherished keepsake.

Interview Your Grandmother

Here’s a fun idea: consider interviewing grandma! Your kids can write out questions ahead of time and record an audio or video interview. Here are some things to ask:

  • Tell me about your childhood
  •  What were your favorite games as a child? 
  • What was happening in the world when you were young?
  • Who was President when you were born?
  • What was your favorite meal that your mother made?
  • What did you call your grandparents?
  • Where did you live? What was your house like?
  • When did you meet grandpa?

Finally, if your family matriarchs were believers, talk about their relationship with God through the years and how that has impacted your own family. This might be the best way to honor their legacy and celebrate the women in your life.

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