MLK Holiday Ideas

Monday, January 18, 2021, is the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As parents, it’s vital to teach our children about the Civil Rights leader’s legacy and meaningfully honor his memory, especially now since most of our children are learning remotely or being homeschooled. We’ve gathered some ways for you to celebrate MLK Day with your kids from great books to captivating movies to fun crafts. 

Books

For preschool ages, there are a variety of books that explain Dr. King’s life and legacy. We recommend I am Martin Luther King Jr. by Brad Meltzer. It’s a New York Times bestselling picture book that inspires children to love other people and do what’s right by using peaceful protests and thoughtful words. Another great read is My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., by Martin Luther King III, that details what it was like growing up as the son of one of the most iconic Civil Rights leaders in our country. When Dr. King made his groundbreaking “I Have a Dream Speech,” he specifically mentions his four children. In this memoir, the author remembers special, loving moments between father and son, relating Dr. King to us as more than a national figure but also a dad who simply wanted a better future for his children.

For elementary-aged children, we found several books that your child can read to you. The first is Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You. In this beautifully illustrated book written by Carole Boston Weatherford, your children will realize they can also be a king through listening to their conscience and leading by example. A book that will inspire your children to “use their words, not weapons” to create change as Dr. King did in his powerful speeches is Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And, finally, we suggest having your child read, March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris. “This informal account is both personal and satisfying as revealed by Martin’s older sister who watched her brother’s “I Have a Dream” speech on television with their parents in Atlanta,” reflects www.pbs.org.

Movies 

March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World (2008) is a Scholastic Storybook DVD that includes narrations with book images from the above mentioned memoir. The first two narrations focus on Martin Luther King, Jr. while the third looks at Rosa Parks and the bus boycott. The final one examines how a slave mailed himself to freedom. It’s recommended for ages 4 and older. You can find it at your local library or on www.amazon.com. One of the best kid-friendly films about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the 1998 animated film Our Friend, Martin. It follows a young student, Miles, who finds himself traveling back in time to learn the significance of Dr. King’s fight for civil rights. It’s a great way for kids to make a connection with the past from a present day point of view. You can watch the 61-minute movie on YouTube with your children.

Crafts

After you’ve read the books and watched the movies with your children, try building on what they’ve learned about Dr. King’s significant impact on our country’s Civil Rights movement with an art project. You can create your very own hand banner using colorful construction paper, scissors, and string or yarn. First, choose several different colors of paper that represent the many varieties of skin types in our country. Then, trace your hand and your child’s hand on the papers. Cut them out and tape them on a long piece of string or yarn. You can also guide your child to write the meaningful words he learned from the books and movies on each hand, such as: peace, love, kindness, and equality.  

Another great idea to help inspire your children’s inner Dr. King is their very own “I Have a Dream” poster. All you need is a large poster board and markers, crayons, or paint. Have your children think about what their hopes and dreams are for the future of our country based on some of the books and movies you shared. Next, your little artists can illustrate the poster with those dreams either in words or drawings. Let them explore and enjoy the process; then, discuss how they can make those dreams a reality!

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The message of racial equality is more important than ever in our country. Celebrating Dr. King’s efforts and accomplishments during the Civil Rights movement can help continue these conversations with your children. We hope you take the time to connect with your children, teach them about Dr. King’s life and legacy, and inspire them to create a world of light and love for future generations. Please share your ideas for celebrating the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with us. We’d love to see what books you read or what crafts you created. As always, feel free to share your photos or videos with us. Connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind, and happy parenting!