Martin Luther King Jr. would be 96 years old this year. He was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, the second of three children born to Michael and Alberta King. Because he fought tirelessly to end segregation and for all people to be treated with dignity and respect, Martin Luther King Jr. is a shining beacon of peace and justice.

We celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday (or MLK Day) on the third Monday of January. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his death in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986.

Martin Luther King Jr. shouldn’t just be honored in January but every day of the year as a reminder to be kind to others, to be peaceful and to look for solutions currently facing the world – such as homelessness, climate change, and other injustices.

There are many age-appropriate ways to teach children about MLK’s legacy. The following activities can help young learners understand Dr. King’s life and the importance of unity and kindness.

 

1. Create a Dream Collage

Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech is a great starting point for this activity. Have students draw pictures of their dreams for the future, whether it’s a dream of peace, friendship, or a happy world. Having each child share their dream with the class reinforces the idea of hope and unity.

2. Peaceful Hands Art

Have students use a crayon to trace their hands on construction paper. In each hand, they can write or draw ways to help others, such as “sharing with friends” or “picking up trash” or “using good manners.”

3. Kindness Tree

Use construction paper to draw a “Kindness Tree” to hang on a bulletin board or wall. Each time a student does something kind, they can add a leaf with their name on the tree. This activity demonstrates the importance of being thoughtful to others, something Dr. King championed.

4. Freedom March Parade

Organize a small “freedom march” around the classroom or inside the daycare center. Students can make signs with positive messages, such as “Love,” “Peace,” or “We are all Equal.”

Discuss how Dr. King led marches for civil rights and how these marches helped bring about positive change in the country.

5. Classroom Discussion: What is a Hero?

Have a short discussion about what makes someone a hero, and ask the students how Dr. King showed bravery, kindness, and leadership. Help them understand that being a hero is about doing good for others and showing courage in the face of adversity.