We’ve always been passionate about Black history in our family. In fact, most of American music history includes accomplishments by amazing black musicians and artists.
Which is why we try to teach our kids about Black jazz musicians from an early age.
And there’s no way to talk about early American jazz without discussing Billie Holiday. She was a true pioneer of songwriting, performing, and vocal styling.
So I thought this mini Billie Holiday history lesson would be a great resource to share for your Black history lessons too!
This is an excellent resource for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Jazz History Month, and more!
Plus, it’s a short lesson with simple activities, so you can use it without needing time to prep it in advance.
Need a digital copy for distance learning? There’s one of those too!
Read on to get yours.
And, for more about the work of Black musicians, don’t miss our We Got Jazz! Black History Thematic Unit!
Lady Day Learning! Mini Billie Holiday History Lesson for Kids
To use the printable Billie Holiday resource, you’ll need the following: (This post contains affiliate links. For details, see our Disclosure Policy.)
- Printer (with ink)
- Printer Paper
- Pencils
This Black history resource includes a two-page biography about the life and legacy of Billie Holiday.
Three comprehension activities are also included – a fill-in-the-blank exercise, a word unscramble, and a timeline sequencing activity.
Answer keys are included for each review activity.
And there’s a blackline version of the biography too!
How to Teach Elementary Students about Billie Holiday
To begin this lesson, start by reading the biography through with your class.
If you use the blackline version, kids can color in the pictures as you read.
Then begin the review activities.
Depending on the age of your students, you may wish to complete the fill-in-the-blank exercise as a group.
Then you can send the word unscramble and sequencing activities along as homework.
Use the answer keys to make grading a snap!
Get a closer look at this resource in the video below!
Digital Billie Holiday History Lesson for Elementary
Are you using digital resources with your students this year? This product is also available in a digital version!
In this digital Billie Holiday history activity, which is compatible with Google Slides, students can read the biography of her life and career.
Then answer the review questions by typing directly on the slides!
Digital versions of the word unscramble and timeline sequencing activities are included too.
And there’s a separate answer key for you to use when grading.
Scroll down to get this elementary Billie Holiday history lesson for your students!
Check out these other Black history learning ideas!
Grab the digital version of this Billie Holiday activity in my Teachers Pay Teachers store! You can also get the print and digital versions as a bundle!
>> Digital Billie Holiday History Lesson <<
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