Why Teaching About Juneteenth Matters
At Creative Primary Literacy, we believe that students in upper elementary grades are ready to explore the richness of American history - and Juneteenth is an essential part of that story.
What Is Juneteenth and Why Is It Important?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the United States were declared free - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day of reflection, celebration, and education. For students, it offers a chance to explore the concepts of freedom, justice, resilience and equality.
While Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, its roots stretch much deeper, and its significance can spark powerful conversations even with students as young as third grade.
Why Teach Juneteenth in the Elementary Classroom?
Upper elementary students are curious, thoughtful, and eager to understand the world around them. Teaching about Juneteenth helps:
- Build Historical Understanding: It connects students to a broader narrative of American history beyond the typical textbook timeline.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Students explore themes of fairness, laws, and justice—and how those ideals evolve over time.
- Promote Inclusion and Empathy: Juneteenth opens the door to meaningful conversations about diverse experiences in American history.
- Meet Standards with Purpose: Lessons on Juneteenth support literacy goals while addressing social studies standards.
Engaging Juneteenth Resources for Grades 3–6
We know teachers need thoughtful, age-appropriate materials that both educate and engage. That’s why our Juneteenth Teaching Resources are designed to do just that, with differentiated materials for both 3rd–4th grade and 5th–6th grade.
Close Reading Activities
Each grade-level set includes:
- A teacher presentation to introduce the topic
- A carefully written close reading passage about the history and meaning of Juneteenth
- Comprehension and grammar questions
- A multiple choice quiz to assess understanding
- Fun review activities like a crossword and wordsearch
Juneteenth Escape Room (5th–6th Grade)
This interactive activity is a class favorite! Students work together to solve four engaging puzzles using historical clues, critical thinking, and teamwork. It’s a great way to reinforce learning in an unforgettable way.
Holidays Timeline Activity
This year-round resource lets students research and sort major U.S. holidays—including Juneteenth—onto a timeline. It helps them understand when and why we honor different events throughout the calendar year.
Inspire, Inform, Empower
Teaching Juneteenth isn’t just about dates and facts—it’s about helping students understand the journey toward freedom and justice in our country. With the right resources, you can lead meaningful lessons that stay with your students long after the school year ends.
Explore our Juneteenth Close Reads, Escape Room, and Holiday Timeline today, and bring this important history to life in your classroom.
For 1000s more resources, check out Creative Primary Literacy!