February is Black History Month
Resources
A Black History Month Celebration of Educators and Leaders in the Blindness Field at APH Connect Center
This content is also available in: Español (Spanish)
Black History Month is a time to recognize exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to society. While everyone knows about iconic figures like Stevie Wonder and the late Ray Charles, who were not only gifted musicians but also blind, there are many other Black Americans who have shared their talents with the world. Among them are individuals who have worked tirelessly to advance the field of blindness and promote inclusivity in society.
Black History Month in Special Education
Alyssa Shanahan, a former Elementary Special Ed & Life Skills teacher shares these ideas on her website, Simply Special Ed. She shows her flip books and are available for purchase.
Celebrating Black History Month in the Life Skills Classroom
Ashley Duncan incorporates accessible materials, such as picture books, videos with captions, and interactive activities. Highlight influential figures in Black history who have overcome challenges, emphasizing perseverance and determination. Break down complex concepts into digestible pieces to ensure understanding and engagement. Included in her article are adapted lessons.
Valentine’s Day
Ideas for Valentine’s Day Activities
Written by Katie Armstrong and has many ideas for students with visual impairments.
Creating an Accessible Valentine’s Day Post Box
Make Valentine’s Day accessible to children who are blind, deafblind, visually impaired or multiply disabled with accessible post boxes!
Activity ideas for making tangible valentines with children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with deafblindness or multiple disabilities.
Braille Valentines for Our Students to Receive
Support sighted classmates in making accessible tactile valentines with braille for children in inclusive classrooms who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired.

Valentine Treats with Bracelets
Easy to assemble valentine treats using a pretty cloth napkin, beaded bracelets, and candy.
All materials were gotten from Amazon, but you can easily get these at the dollar store or make you own valentine bracelets to practice fine motor skills.
Braille Heart Designs from Edith West

Chinese New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025
The Year of the Snake!
For Chinese New Year 2025 lessons, you can focus on teaching about the symbolism of the color red, the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac (especially the “snake” which is the 2025 year), traditional foods like dumplings and mandarin oranges, the practice of giving red envelopes (“hong bao”), and the importance of family reunions.
10 Chinese New Year Classroom Activities: Throw a Lunar New Year Party
The Year of the Snake:
Explain that 2025 is the year of the snake which is associated with snakes like wisdom, grace, and adaptability.

Red Color Symbolism:
Emphasize that red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture, representing prosperity and happiness, which is why it’s prevalent in decorations and clothing during New Year.
Traditional Foods:
Introduce popular Chinese New Year foods like dumplings (symbolizing wealth), mandarin oranges (representing abundance), and fish (signifying prosperity).
Red Envelopes (“Hong Bao”):
Teach students about the custom of giving red envelopes filled with money, especially to children, as a symbol of good luck and blessings.
Family Reunion Dinner:
Discuss the importance of gathering with family for a special meal on New Year’s Eve to celebrate together.
Don’t Forget Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd in both the United States and Canada. The folklore states that on February 2nd if a groundhog emerges from his hole and fails to see his shadow, he will leave his burrow – signifying that winter will end soon. However, if the Groundhog does see his shadow he will retreat down into his burrow, and winter will last for another 6 weeks!
Peak a Book Groundhog Hand puppet
Use soft “fur” for more texture
Use bingo daubers, stickers or pompoms to fill in the circles which you can adapt with puffy paint for tactual learners.