Teaching about famous women for kids isn’t just about history; it’s about shaping the future. In a world where young minds are sponges soaking up knowledge, incorporating the tales of these incredible women fosters a sense of inclusivity and diversity. It goes beyond the pages of textbooks, weaving into the fabric of your classroom culture,.
Why you should teach famous women for kids:
- Inspiration Knows No Gender: By sharing stories of famous women for kids, you break down stereotypes and showcase a broad spectrum of role models. It’s not just about inspiring girls but showing all students that greatness knows no gender boundaries. Boys can learn valuable lessons in empathy, understanding, and collaboration from these trailblazing women.
- Diverse Perspectives Matter: Introducing a diverse array of historical figures enriches your curriculum and provides a more accurate representation of the world. Students from various backgrounds can see themselves reflected in these stories, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.
- Empowering Critical Thinking: Famous women’s stories for kids often involve overcoming challenges and breaking barriers. Discussing these narratives encourages critical thinking and helps students analyze societal norms, fostering a generation that questions, challenges, and contributes to positive change.
- Encouraging Career Exploration: When students learn about famous women excelling in various fields, from science to sports, it broadens their horizons. It sparks curiosity and encourages exploration of diverse career paths, breaking down preconceived notions about what is achievable based on gender.
- Promoting Resilience and Perseverance: The journeys of these famous women for kids are often marked by resilience and perseverance. Sharing these stories provides students with real-life examples of overcoming adversity, teaching them that setbacks are part of the journey and not the end of the road.
- Connecting History to the Present: We’re not just teaching about the past; we’re forging connections to the present. By exploring the lives of these remarkable women for kids, students can understand the ongoing struggles and triumphs in the fight for equality, empowering them to become active participants in shaping a better future.
As you open your classroom to the tales of these twelve incredible women, remember that you’re not just imparting knowledge; you’re nurturing the seeds of curiosity, empathy, and resilience in the hearts and minds of your students. These stories are not just about the past; they are tools for sculpting a more inclusive, enlightened, and empowered future.
So let’s take a look at these 12 incredible famous women for kids.
Malala Yousafzai: A Beacon of Courage
Let’s kick things off with Malala Yousafzai. Imagine this: standing up for education, surviving a Taliban assassination attempt, and becoming the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Malala’s story is a beacon of courage, showing kids that education is a superpower.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Trailblazer for Equality
Next up is Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a real-life superhero in the legal world. As the second woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, she fought tirelessly for gender equality and women’s rights. Her story teaches kids that fairness is a battle worth fighting.
Lucille Ball: The Queen of Comedy
Now, let’s shift gears and talk about the queen of comedy, Lucille Ball. Known for her iconic role in “I Love Lucy,” Lucille Ball’s comedic genius broke barriers in the entertainment industry. Her laughter-filled journey is a lesson in chasing dreams and finding joy in the process.
Serena Williams: A Tennis Trailblazer
Game, set, match! Serena Williams, the tennis legend, has aced her way into our hearts. Breaking barriers in sports, her story inspires kids to swing for the fences and pursue their passions, one forehand at a time.
Susan B. Anthony: A Leader in Suffrage
Ever wonder how women got the right to vote? Enter Susan B. Anthony, a driving force in the women’s suffrage movement. Her advocacy and determination laid the groundwork for equal voting rights, making her a pioneer worth knowing for kids.
Marie Curie: A Scientific Wonder
Jumping into the world of science, we meet Marie Curie, the trailblazing physicist and chemist. The first woman to snag a Nobel Prize, her dedication to scientific discovery lights up the path for young minds curious about the wonders of the universe.
Sally Ride: Reaching for the Stars
3…2…1…blast off! Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, soared through the skies and into history books. Her stellar journey encourages kids to reach for the stars, reminding them that the sky’s not the limit—it’s just the view.
Kamala Harris: Breaking Political Barriers
Shifting gears to the political arena, meet Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States. Her historic role is a testament to the power of breaking barriers, inspiring kids to dream big and aim high in whatever they choose.
Ella Fitzgerald: The Queen of Jazz
Let’s jazz it up with Ella Fitzgerald, the “Queen of Jazz.” Overcoming hurdles, she became one of the greatest jazz singers of all time. Her timeless tunes teach kids that passion, persistence, and a love for what you do can create magic.
Danica Patrick: Racing Against Stereotypes
Vroom, vroom! Revving into the world of racing, we find Danica Patrick, a trailblazer in a male-dominated sport. Her story shows kids that the track to success has no gender lanes—anyone can take the lead.
Betty White: A Timeless Comedy Icon
Golden Girl alert! Betty White, a beloved comedy icon, has graced screens for decades. Her longevity in the entertainment world is a lesson in laughter, reminding kids that a good sense of humor is truly ageless.
Bessie Coleman: Soaring High in the Skies
Last but not least, let’s talk about Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman with a pilot’s license. Breaking through racial barriers, she soared high in the skies, inspiring kids to dream beyond limits and navigate their own skies.
Famous Women for Kids Reading Comprehension Passages
So, there you have it—a whirlwind tour through the lives of twelve incredible women who’ve shaped history. But the adventure doesn’t end here!
If you want to delve deeper into their stories, check out our reading comprehension passages! With these reading passages, your students will:
- Read about famous women for kids who are/were trailblazers in their fields
- Learn about the impact these women had despite the obstacles they had to overcome
- Answer 4 multiple choice questions per woman
- Respond to 1 open ended question per woman
- Make connections with the real, full-color photographs
And they couldn’t be easier for you! Each one comes with a low prep printable pdf and a no prep digital version in Google Slides.
My famous women reading comprehension passages are available in English, Spanish, or a bilingual bundle with both.
Please click the links below to read more details, see a preview, and make a purchase.
