On the third Monday in January, the United States of America observes Martin Luther King Day. Government Offices, school systems, banks, and postal offices are generally closed on this day. This becomes a day of service, reflection, and commemorating of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since your children will be home from school, why not spend a little time learning about one of America’s famous heroes, Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great man who worked for racial equality and civil rights in America. He was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, GA. His mother was a school teacher. His father and grandfather were both ministers. Martin has one brother, named Alfred, and one sister, named Christine. Martin learned how to read before entering public school.
He was an excellent student; skipping grades in elementary and high school. He enjoyed reading books, singing, riding his bicycle, and playing football and baseball. He entered Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA when he was 15 years old.
After graduating from college with his doctorate degree, he was married and moved to Alabama where he became a minister. During the 1950’s, Dr. King became active in the movement for civil rights and racial equality. He participated in many peaceful demonstrations that protested the unfair treatment of African-Americans. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He gave his “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963.
Commemorating the life of a tremendously important leader, we celebrate MLK Day each year. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is still remembered today to inspire us all to join together for peaceful harmony in this world. He encourages us to dream for a better future for our children.
Here are a few ideas to engage your child in celebrating MLK Day:
1. What do your dream about? Write a paragraph describing your dream. Draw a picture of who you want to be when you grow up.
2. Think of 8 words that describe Dr. King. Write the words down. Now use those words in sentences to tell facts about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For example: leader, minister, Civil rights, dream speech, equality.
3. Make a spelling word list to learn and memorize. Examples: great, leader, rights, protest, color, skin, equality, speech, dream
4. Write an acrostic poem using the letters in FREEDOM.
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