Inspiring Big Words To Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day
Few men in America are as well known for their roles in the Civil Rights Movement as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He played a pivotal role in changing the social landscape of our nation. It’s important to me that my children grow up with an understanding of his philosophy and mission. Because of that, I put together this simple story time activity to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day with my boys.
READING TO CELEBRATE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
I’ve seen The Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Recently, we’ve been reading some books about the civil rights leader at home to prepare for his special day. Two in particular stood out to me. I’ve Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a new read for us. I found it while browsing the children’s section of our public library. It will surprise no one that I was initially drawn to the bright, painterly illustrations by Leonard Jenkins. The text from Walter Dean Myers is excellent. The story is informative and thorough, without being frightening for children. I particularly liked the inclusion of other prominent figures from history like Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and Mohandas Gandhi.
Martin’s Big words: The Life Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I picked up Doreen Rappaport’s Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. secondhand several years ago. It is important to me that my children grow up aware of the history of our country, and the way people have been treated. I believe that knowledge is essential for the next generation to make the changes still needed. Without learning our history, we can not learn from the mistakes of the past. We read Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. every year.
Bryan Collier’s illustrations add such life to the text. Enlarging and bolding Dr. King’s words throughout the text adds weight and gravity to their meaning. The book is a powerful read to share with young children. Including a brief account of Martin’s early childhood experience helps make the topic more relatable to a young audience. Kids are able to put themselves in young Dr. King’s shoes.
TAKING A PLEDGE TO LOVE
I was inspired by the powerful words highlighted throughout Martin’s Big Words. After reading it, I created a printable pledge. I chose a simple and clear message from Dr. King. ‘I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.’ It was important that the purpose of the promise be clear even to young children. As I wrote before, I believe many children have the false sense that the goals of Dr. King and his contemporaries are complete. They assume there is no further work to do. It’s important for them to know that choosing love over hate is something that should be done every day to help create a more tolerant world.
Grab your free printable below and something to add color with. We chose markers, but paint, colored pencils, or crayons would all work well too. While your kids color in the words, talk to them about their meaning. It’s a perfect time to discuss opportunities they have each day to continue the work of Dr. King by choosing love. Once colored and signed, the pledges are perfect for hanging on the fridge at home, or a classroom wall at school. Anywhere you need a little reminder to be kind and tolerant is perfect. And hey, grown ups- this isn’t just for kids. Adults can use a refresher on the values of Dr. King as well- so print a copy for yourself while you’re at it!
>>> Grab your printable pledge HERE! <<<
How does your family celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Let me know in the comments below!
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