Every March, teachers across the country pull out their favorite Women’s History Month activities, classroom displays, picture books about trailblazing women, and biography projects that shine a light on lesser-known heroes. And while I love the spotlight we give these amazing women in March, I’ve found myself coming back to the same thought year after year:
Why do these stories only get one month?
As teachers, we’re always looking for ways to make our lessons more meaningful and inclusive. And the truth is, stories about courageous, curious, world-changing women are powerful tools for building empathy and expanding our students’ worldviews, any time of year.
Why Representation Through Literature Matters
When students read about women like Jane Goodall studying chimpanzees in the jungle or Dr. Patricia Bath breaking barriers in the medical field, they aren’t just absorbing facts; they’re connecting with real people who made their mark on the world.
For some students, these stories are a spark: “That could be me.”
For others, they shift perspectives: “Wow, I never knew someone could do that.”
That’s why I believe we need more than a themed week or bulletin board.
We need to build intentional, year-round exposure to women’s stories into our literacy lessons. Not just because it’s Women’s History Month, but because these are human stories that deserve to be told.
Creating Space for Deeper Learning
When I started looking for Women’s History Month activities and resources for my classroom, I kept finding short worksheets or isolated reading passages that felt… flat. I wanted more than a quick read-aloud. I wanted rich, meaningful character analysis activities for elementary readers that would encourage real thinking and discussion.
So, I created one.
The Women’s History Reading Comprehension Bundle is designed to do exactly that:
- Encourage deep thinking
- Engage students through picture books
- Support comprehension standards and character study
- Make space for inspiring conversations
It includes complete reading comprehension read-aloud companions for five amazing books:
- Shark Lady (Eugenie Clark)
- The Watcher (Jane Goodall)
- The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes (Dr. Patricia Bath)
- The Girl with a Mind for Math (Raye Montague)
- The Leaf Detective (Margaret Lowman)
Each lesson comes with writing prompts, crafts, comprehension worksheets, book talk questions, anchor chart materials, home connections, and graphic organizers that go way beyond surface-level reading.
You can purchase the books on Amazon (as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).
How to Use it in Your Classroom
I personally loved introducing one book each week during March as part of our Women’s History Month activities, but I’ve also used them throughout the year during:
- Small reading groups
- Biography units
- Morning meetings
- Early finisher centers
- Sub plans (with everything ready to go!)
Students won’t just learn about historical contributions; they will reflect on values like perseverance, creativity, and courage. And honestly? I guarantee the conversations you have after these read-alouds will be some of the richest all year.
Plus, the no-prep format means you can focus on what matters most…connecting with your kids and fostering real learning.
These Stories Deserve More Than a Month
There’s something powerful about students seeing real women, scientists, engineers, conservationists, doctors, step into roles that broke barriers and changed lives. These women weren’t superheroes. They were regular people who dared to dream differently.
And that’s a message I hope we all want echoing through our classrooms all year long.
So whether you’re planning your Women’s History Month literacy block, looking to diversify your biography unit, or simply searching for engaging March literacy lessons, I hope you’ll find ways to keep these voices alive beyond the calendar month.
If you’d like a ready-to-go resource that supports that mission, you can take a peek at mine right here. No pressure…just something I created with a lot of heart, and that I’ve seen spark some beautiful learning moments.
Let’s Keep Lifting These Stories
Thank you, friend, for being the kind of teacher who creates space for every student to see themselves, and others, in the pages of a book. Together, we’re not just teaching history. We are helping students write their own.
Let’s make it a year of brave stories, bold voices, and books that make a difference.
For even more inspiring stories, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- Space Reading Comprehension Activities
- Basketball Biographies Unit (for March Madness!)
- The Questioneers Series (Andrea Beaty) Reading Comprehension Unit and Author Study
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