How to Pick Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids' Activities

There is a wealth of great materials, live events and activities to engage kids in understanding, honoring and emulating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. These include audio, video, books and comic books, public events, exhibits and assemblies. But the best beginning for kids is often a discussion encouraging them to connect Dr. King, or any prospective role model, with their own lives.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Pick Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids' Activities

1. Start with each child's own experience by encouraging discussions or writing assignments about the concept of a "hero." Talk about heroes we know, heroes we see in the media and heroes who played an important part in making our country or community what it is today. Let children pick a hero and talk about their choices.
2. Ask children if they can name the heroes who have had holidays dedicated to their honor and memory, and then discuss what made Martin Luther King, Jr. a hero to so many people. For older kids, you mighty expand the discussion to include the idea of martyrdom.
3. Select a place or event in your community that would make an appropriate field trip for kids to help engage them with Dr. King's work, wisdom and words. This might include a memorial, a library exhibit, or a volunteer service project that is part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
4. Inspire kids to take action in their own lives to emulate Dr. King as a role mode. Instead of suggesting they do this, ask each child to talk about what he could do in his own life to make Dr. King proud of him.
5. Pick fun, age-appropriate activities online at sites such as the Family Education website on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities and resources for kids (see Resources below).
6. Pick an online comic book for elementary school kids, when all else fails, like "The Life Of Martin Luther King, Jr." (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Find the best balance for the age group with which you are dealing, between discussion, the written word, audio and video material and field trip activities. Sometimes video footage helps validate historical events for kids, but part of Dr. King's legacy is also to inspire action!