My kids are 5, 4 and 2. We've been reading kids books all week about Martin Luther King Jr. and having good discussions about all surrounding topics. I'd like to do some sort of special activity with them Monday, go out to do something in community, or do a craft etc aside from just watching a speech (or part of speech since they're so young). Any cool ideas your schools or churches have done?
Thanks!
Oh, Casey C, I've found you to be the height of warmth and compassion ever since your response about people bringing their special needs kids places so they can cut in lines a while back. Not surprised you think MLK Jr is boring.
I like the idea of volunteering. It's a service day, after all. A park picking up trash? Visit some elderly neighbors and bring a potted flower/plant/goodies. A grocery store to help older ladies to their cars with their carts? A food pantry? It's probably short notice to come up with an official place to volunteer.....
Here's O. site with some ideas:
http://mlkday.gov/plan/library/development/kids.php
You know what - I think it is great that you are introducing your children to MLK at such a young age. Shame on Casey for thinking it is boring!! Obviously she doesn't understand the importance or hasn't experienced the oppression that MLK stood up against.
I am sorry I don't have any ideas for you, but I simply had to comment on that other post...
We're doing a Jacob Lawrence MLK half day camp through a really killer local art school.
Here's the description of the class
JACOB LAWRENCE / The Migration Series
We’ll look at the great Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series, a truly inspired ‘graphic novel’ of great historic importance. We’ll create our own series on small wood panels in acrylic, and learn about this important work through discussion and art.
http://www.earlymasters.com/page21/
At home, we've been doing similar to you: Books, etc. And have watched/listened to a few of his speeches. Since he's older... one of the things we've done is to LOOK at MLKjrs dreams, and see how many have come true... and we're also doing a unit on respect that's year long.
"...Judged by the content of their character." fits in rather nicely
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LOL... I try to make NONE of my lessons boring! Even handwriting or paperwork can be made interesting. Tape the worksheet to the underside of the table, use a quill and ink, use invisable ink, write in code... very little in life CAN'T be made fun, in my experience, with a little imagination. Even learning about truely awful things. It's not that one has to make the subject cheery, but it can certainly be made INTERESTING!
Wow, how sad and sorry I am for Casey C....to feel this day is just another "boring" lesson. I'm glad I'm old enough to remember MLK's words and still be be moved by them, God bless America!!!
Maybe volunteer somewhere, or take kids to August Wilson center downtown pgh. The Carnegie science center is free monday
Hi A.-
My kids are older...BUT...I just got a copy of the movie "The Help". I have the book...one of the kiddos has read it...and maybe we will watch the movie.
Also...we live not far from the "booker T washington memorial"...my youngest daughter volunteers there sundays...so maybe they will have something going going on.
Best Luck!
michele/cat
Gosh I am feeling guilty of not really doing much on this day years past. The kids get a lot of education at school before or after this holiday so I kinda keep it to that...but for memorial day and veterns day we tend to visit the cemetaries. So this is a great idea... I think I will pick something out of this for my kids this year. thanks !
Maybe have them write or dictate while you write about what dream they have for themselves, their family, their school, community, church (whatever they understand and are comfortable expressing) and then have them illustrate or paint a picture about it. You can then make a "dream" scrapbook page of your childrens' drawings/writings and frame them or put them away to look at later. It is always neat to hear what dreams and hopes are in those still innocent enough to dream and hope without anything negative getting in the way. :) Enjoy your day and GOOD FOR YOU for teaching your children about important and relevant historical figures....I hope you and yours will never find this to be boring.....
We are having Grandmas' day on Monday....Grandmas taking their kids to the zoo...it will have absolutely nothing to do with MLK. Everything doesn't have to be a lesson...boring.
Here in Austin there will be a parade. Anyone can join in. Then they will read the "I have a Dream speech".
Is there a community around you having a MLK parade or celebration?
