5 MLK-Inspired Activities to Do With Your Kids

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an extraordinary man who devoted his life to fighting for equality for others without ever raising a hand. Dr. King didn't just fight for civil rights; he sought for peace, equality and diversity. These complex concepts can be a little difficult for preschoolers and young ones to grasp. Take some time to explore these themes and learn more about the man who led millions in the quest to unite all people. Here are five fun "I have a dream activities" you can do with your kids to teach them more about Dr. King and the civil rights movement:

Visit the Library

Take a trip to your local library and check out a few books on Martin Luther King, Jr. Some good picks include, The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Johnny Ray Moore, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, III, and Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport. After you read through the books you have chosen, take some time to talk to your children about the different concepts, such as diversity, inclusiveness, and being kind toward others.

Make a Diversity Collage

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Look through magazines together and find pictures of people of all nationalities. Help your child cut out the pictures and glue them onto a piece of construction paper. Look for pictures that depict examples of some of the themes that Dr. King promotes, such as people shaking hands or giving a hug and paste these onto the collage as well.

Create an "I Have a Dream" Cloud

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Talk with your kids about the dreams that you have for the future and ask your children about their own dreams. Cut out cloud shapes and have your child write their dream onto the cloud. You can help little ones with this step. Then, have your child glue cotton balls onto the cloud,a nd hang your dreams from the ceiling with a piece of ribbon.

Talk About Eggs

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This activity helps kids understand that we're all the same on the inside. Take a brown egg and a white egg and have your child explain all the differences and similarities between the two eggs. Talk about what you think you will find on the inside. Will the white one be white and the brown, brown? Then, crack the eggs open. Your child will quickly see that they're exactly the same.

Make a Hand Print Craft

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Have your child paint his or her hand in several colors and press each color onto a piece of white poster board. Then, talk with your child about the things that need to change in the world. On each hand print, write the thing that your child dreams of changing, such as "hunger" or "racism."

This MLK Day, spend some time with your kids doing fun activities that reinforce the themes that Dr. King fought for in his lifetime.

Featured photo source: Flickr