On Friday, it was my job to do an MLK lesson in 1st-3rd grades. We watched a short video about “Courageous People” that included him, then a part of his Dream speech. Afterward, I asked 6-9 year olds to contemplate a question:
“Why is it important that we learn about MLK?”
“Why is it important that we learn about MLK?”
Something that stuck with my 1st graders was this quote: “MLK wanted people to be judged by their hearts, not by the color of their skin.”
Living in the N. Idaho boonies, they have little concept of race, but they all talked about how they knew someone had a good heart:
Living in the N. Idaho boonies, they have little concept of race, but they all talked about how they knew someone had a good heart:
“They are nice to their friends.”
“They stick up for little kids.”
“They are respectful to the teacher.”
Everyone agreed that it made no sense to think someone was bad because they *looked* different. “It only matters how they treat people,” one girl said.
“They stick up for little kids.”
“They are respectful to the teacher.”
Everyone agreed that it made no sense to think someone was bad because they *looked* different. “It only matters how they treat people,” one girl said.
2nd grade got a little deeper. There was some chatter about how “black people used to be slaves,” because they’d learned about Harriet Tubman.
“So why do we learn about MLK?” I asked.
The general consensus was because: “He was right.”
“So why do we learn about MLK?” I asked.
The general consensus was because: “He was right.”
3rd grade was my favorite. They are a bright bunch, age aside. It started to dawn on me that kids think MLK lived a million years ago.
“Did you guys know that when MLK gave his Dream speech, your grandparents were alive?”
That shocked a few. I could see the wheels turning.
“Did you guys know that when MLK gave his Dream speech, your grandparents were alive?”
That shocked a few. I could see the wheels turning.
So why do we learn about MLK? 3rd grade:
“Because he was brave.” “He changed the world.” “He gave a really big speech.” “He made it so everyone is equal.”
Just when I was about to embark on the delicate “Well, kids, racism isn’t gone” lesson...
“Because he was brave.” “He changed the world.” “He gave a really big speech.” “He made it so everyone is equal.”
Just when I was about to embark on the delicate “Well, kids, racism isn’t gone” lesson...
... One girl said: “Because learning about him could give us the tools to stand up for someone if we see them being bullied for the color of their skin.”
She made it sound so concrete and simple. MLK gave us tools. He gave us the words. And kids need those!
She made it sound so concrete and simple. MLK gave us tools. He gave us the words. And kids need those!
Overall, it was a good lesson. I started the day intimidated by the enormity of the topic, but as kids do, they simplified it for me.
Be kind. Learn about brave leaders. Take their lessons with you.
#MLK
Be kind. Learn about brave leaders. Take their lessons with you.
#MLK
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