Helping Your Child Understand Martin Luther King Day

As a parent I admit I haven't a clue how to help my child understand and really celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Typically it is easier to just let this January holiday slip by and skim through the idea of why this day exists. But somehow I feel it is my responsibility to make sure they have an understanding of who this man was and why there is a National Holiday honoring his memory.

Here area few ways I have researched and come up with to help my children learn about Dr. King's message to us. And in return I have a better understanding of the importance of this day and how to incorporate it into our lives.

Books - Finding a book that your children will understand can be difficult. One book that has great pictures and a good story that is probably appropriate for Kindergarten to 5^th grade is "Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." by Doreen Rappaport. This book is easy to understand and really books are one of the best ways to incorporate the full story into your child's mind. This book tells the story that will help children and parents understand the significance of remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. There are probably other fabulous books out there and if you find one that resonates with you, share it with others!

Games - Finding a simple game to help your child understand "differences and similarities" with others could make a huge difference in how your child responds to the world around them. One of the simplest games to play is Simon Says. Play the game by using physical characteristics. For example, say, "Simon says if you have brown hair take two steps forward".... using different physical characteristics for awhile then say, "Simon says everyone created by God take three steps forward". This simple activity shows that although we have physical characteristics that are different, we are all loved and made by the same maker.

Peace Prize - Have your children make their own Peace Prize Medal. You can make it as simple as using construction paper and crayons. Make the medals with some simple yarn to be able to be worn like a necklace. Explain to your child that these medals will be given out when they do something kind and show gentleness and respect to others. This will hopefully open up some good discussion about positive behavior and showing love towards others.

I Have A Dream Speech Too - Although this might be better to do with older children it may work with preschoolers too. You could begin by reading some excerpts of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream Speech' to your child or find the actual speech and watch it with your child on You Tube. Tell your child you want them to write about their dreams and make sure you guide them to write about what they hope for others and the world they live in. Help them write their own speech. This will be an awesome keepsake for your child in the future.

Just Talk Openly - Sometimes activities don't happen. So the most important thing you can do with and for your child is to talk with them even if it's 10 minutes of sitting down one on one with your child and explaining why there is a Martin Luther King Day. Answer their questions. It's okay to be very honest with your child about prejudices and hate in the world. It's important that they hear these things from you as their parent and explain this to them and talk about how they can love others no matter what they look like or who they are.

Taking time to understand Martin Luther King Day as a parent and teaching it to your child is a very wise thing to do as a parent. You are not only educating yourself, but also giving your child the gift of knowledge and curiosity to understand and the heart to love others is priceless. Remember Martin Luther King and pass his message and love onto your children.