The first week back from a relaxing winter break can be a long one. Rather than waiting until the official holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I decided it would be a great unit to transition into from break. My go to read aloud is Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., written by Doreen Rapapport. The kids were mesmerized by the powerful messages and strong illustrations of a hard time in our American history. Although it's a delicate time period and topic to bring up with children, it's one that I cannot and will not ignore. It has to be more than a holiday to our students, I believe.
The kids made their "I Have Dream" art mobile, which I mentioned in the previous blog. You can see one of them behind the book. This year, I attached the clouds to a hanger, for more stability.
The next activity I did with my students is something I discovered on Pinterest. I brought in a brown egg and a white egg to symbolize the different skins that people have. We talked about how it doesn't matter what the outside looks like, but that we're all similar on the inside. We all have feelings, hopes, dreams, fears, silliness, talents, intelligence, etc. The kids absolutely GOT the big message with this activity!
We gathered together today for one final picture, celebrating our pretty shades of skin, knowing that we are all very much a family in our class, lucky to be living in happier times, and feeling lucky that Dr. King was brave enough to stand up for what's right!
Hi Carol, I came over from TpT forums! I love that last photo! That is frame-worthy!!!! I tell my little girl, who is Asian and has such beautiful dark brown skin that we are all just "different shades of brown!" :) I also tell her I'd rather have her shade of brown than my pale shade, especially in the winter. I also just wanted to say I appreciate your positive presence in the forums and your smiling profile pic always makes me smile. :))
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I just noticed that you'd commented. (I'm so new at this, can't you tell!?) Thank you SO much for your sweet comment! I appreciate your taking the time to let me know that it touched your heart, even in a small way. :)
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