Ways to help even the youngest kids celebrate Martin Luther King Day

1. Read a book about MLK

Reading stories to kids can be a great way for them to learn about King’s life and work. Children’s books, like “My Brother Martin” by Christine King Farris or “I Am Brave: A Little Book about Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Brad Meltzer, that are geared toward readers as young as 2 years old can be thoughtful and educational explainers for little minds. For more Martin Luther King Jr. Day reading recommendations, check out the Scholastic MLK picture book roundup, their list of MLK books for early readers or their MLK books for ages 10 and up.

2. Watch a film on MLK Jr.

Check your streaming services (fees may apply) for films on MLK, his work and his life, including:

• “King in the Wilderness” (2018) – Watch it on HBO Max.
• “I Am MLK Jr.” (2018) – Watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
• “I Am Not Your Negro” (2017) – Watch it on Netflix.
• “Selma” (2014) – Watch it on Amazon Prime Video. 
• “Boycott” (2001) – Watch it on HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video.

Check film ratings and reviews to make sure they’re appropriate for your viewing party.

3. Discuss hopes and dreams 

Drawing inspiration from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, ask kids what their dreams are. What inspires them? Talk about ways kids and their families can make the world a better place, just like King did. You can have them write down these dreams and ideas or daw pictures and then hang the paper on the fridge (or elsewhere at home) to serve as a source of inspiration throughout the year.

4. Volunteer 

Children learn through example, so donating your time and demonstrating the importance of helping others will establish a lifetime of giving back for your kids. Go to the MLK Day of Service page on AmeriCorps to locate an age-appropriate volunteer opportunity near you.

5. Create art projects

Have children trace their hands on construction paper and cut them out. Overlap each hand to form a circle and glue them down to a sheet of paper to show that no matter how different we look on the outside, we are all the same on the inside. This learning activity helps demonstrate unity and respect.

6. Look for events

In years prior to the COVID pandemic, many towns and cities hosted parades to honor and celebrate King’s life, which always makes for a fun, culturally enriching outing where kids can learn more.

via Care.com (https://www.care.com/c/how-to-explain-martin-luther-king-junior-day-to-your-kids/)