We teach our kids important lessons everyday. My kids learned about Santa and the Easter Bunny at an early age. But I find it odd that they aren’t taught about important historical figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. at daycare.
I have asked teachers in previous years if they plan on honoring him, and I was met with a surprised look. Most recently, I came across a notice at the front desk that read Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and got excited about the kids celebrating the special day.
I later found out that it was an open invitation for kids who were off from elementary school to spend the day there. I went as far as speaking to Princess’s teacher about plans for the holiday. She hesitated and responded that she’d planned on it, but was still working on a lesson plan.
I totally understand that these kids are young. But, are they too young to know who Martin Luther King, Jr. was? Are they too young to know that there was a time when black people were only allowed to sit in the back of the bus, use separate bathrooms, and eat at different restaurants? I’ll admit that those specific details aren’t age appropriate for three-month-olds. But, there’s nothing wrong with discussing it with four-year-olds.
I can’t speak for all parents, but I want my kids to know the truth. I want them to know who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and the message he delivered.
My hubby and I spoke with Princess about it all. “A long time ago black and white people weren’t allowed to be friends with each other. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped change that,” her Dad said.
Princess was shocked to learn that there was a time when mixed marriages weren’t allowed, and black and white kids weren’t able to attend the same school. If it weren’t for people like Martin Luther King, Jr., our kids probably wouldn’t be alive!
I decided to combine our in depth discussion with a fun project to really drive home Dr. King’s message.
We borrowed from the paper chains theme – incorporating people of different colors. But, Princess added a twist to her craft. We cut out hand shapes and glued them to construction paper. Then she made some fun Play-doh shapes to add to the collage.
As I did with her goals for the New Year, I recorded Princess doing the exercise. Documenting it provides a nice keepsake for her to hang on to and look back at years from now. Here’s the abridged version of our chat.
It’s never too early to teach kids about Martin Luther King, Jr. Young O is only 17-months-old. I don’t expect his teacher to break out with an tense lecture about racism, but the kids his age can do fun crafts, and teachers can read books about Dr. King during story time – that’s what we plan on doing at home.
When should kids begin learning about Martin Luther King Jr.? How do you honor Martin Luther King Jr. with your kids?
I think children in preschool should learn about MLK. When I was teaching, we always did a activities and lessons about him. That is great you are teaching your daughter about his contribution to the civil rights movement.
Thanks so much. That means a lot coming from a teacher. I’m not sure why Martin Luther King, jr. Isn’t discussed in preschool. I’m wondering if they fear parents would disapprove.
What a great post… I know my son had lessons about MLK last year (kindergarten) but before that he really didnt know anything about it
That’s great! I actually visited the school where my daughter will be attending and I was happy to see the kindergarten classes doing MLK projects.
I think preschools and some teachers may shy away from this when the kids are “young,” since it is a pretty serious subject, but I agree with you that 4 is okay to start the conversation. We sometimes underestimate kids and what they can comprehend, but when we purposely omit conversations is when we make it a bigger deal that what it is…just tell the truth and be honest..it is history!
This is GREAT– What a good idea to share with other parents. The kids show ALL know about MLK….. Love this
Yes. I feel the same way. I think it’s all in the approach.
I personally struggle with MLK because of his history of plagiarism, embezzlement, spousal abuse and relationships with prostitutes. I do not feel that is a good example and at least for me it does negate much of his message. I feel Rosa Parks & Daniel Hale Williams are MUCH better examples and lessons for children.
Yes, I’ve heard about him being a rolling storm. but I can’t take away the good that he did for people.
My daughter, who is biracial, learned about MLK in her preschool and she was seriously traumatized by it. She ran from the room and said she couldn’t come back because her dad was black. She tried to rip a picture of my husband’s family that was on the refrigerator. She had never considered that anyone thought ever that she was worse than her or would want to hurt her until then.. It was a huge and unfortunate loss of innocence.
I actually don’t see it necessarily as a loss of innocence. I actually see that as the perfect opportunity to educate her properly. I’m not sure how the school approached the subject matter, but did you ever have a talk with her beforehand? Did you follow up with the teacher and discuss it with her further?