“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”- President Jimmy Carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week 

March celebrates women in many ways. While female entrepreneurs are sure to take center stage, it’s equally important to inspire our youngest community members to honor women of the past and present. After all, many of them will be the female change makers of the future. And don’t think these activities are for daughters only. It’s so important for our young boys to also celebrate this month. Here are a few fabulous ideas to spark joy in your little one this month. 

 

Decorate ballot boxes

Before you do this Women’s History Month craft, make sure that you spend time with your child learning about the women who worked so hard to gain the right to vote in the United States. National Geographic Kids has a great outline of the women’s suffrage movement for children. Go through the history with your child so they understand the key players and the many years spent fighting for this important right.

Once you and your child have learned the story of suffrage, encourage them to decorate a ballot box. Cut a slit in a shoebox or small delivery box and let them make it their own. There are many benefits of art for kids, including increased creativity, coordination, empathy, and problem-solving skills. After they decorate, hold a family election and let your child feel for themselves the pride of voting.

 

Create your own inventions

Did you know that women invented paper bags, aquariums, life rafts, windshield wipers, chocolate chip cookies, and so much more? Explore women inventors with your child and then work together, or on your own, to come up with your own inventions! Encourage your child to think about how they can simplify things that they do every day like chores, going to school, eating dinner, and more. Have them sketch out their invention and write the problem it will solve or benefit it will provide. You might have the next chocolate chip cookie on your hands!

 

Be a superhero

Channel Wonder Woman by playing dress-up or creating your own female superhero with these superhero activities for kids.

 

Get crafty

Make a collage of images of famous women from history and modern times.

 

Read

Read a children’s book about a famous woman. If you are looking for children’s books about famous women to diversify your bookshelf and keep the Women’s History Month learning going all year round, check out these to get you started: 

 

1. Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani by Megan Reid | A picture book about mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani who is the first woman to win the world’s most prestigious honor in mathematics.
2. Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison | A beautifully illustrated picture book outlining the lives of women creators around the world.
3. Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson | A picture book about one of the most famous physicists who overcame sexism and racism to become the “Queen of Physics”.
4. She Persisted Around The World: 13 Women Who Changed History by Chelsea Clinton | A showcase of influential and inspiring women around the world
5. Seeds of Change: Wangari’s Gift to the World by Jen Cullerton Johnson | A picture book detailing the life of scientist Wangari Maathai, who is the first African woman and environmentalist to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

Women’s History Month activities for kids can help you and your family discover inspiring stories and legendary women in March and every month after. What additional ideas do you have? We’d love to hear them on our community forum!