As caregivers and educators, one of our most important responsibilities is to guide the next generation in understanding & honoring the pivotal figures in our history. Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn't just a day off from school or work; it's a day to reflect on the values of equality, justice and peaceful activism. Dr. King's enduring legacy offers lessons for children of all ages.
In a recent interview with our friend & child educator Mr. Jay, we delved into why and how to teach young children about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the broader issues of race and diversity.
Here are his thought-provoking answers!
Little Sleepies: Why is it important to teach young children about Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Mr. Jay: To put the issue of racism into a more general understanding, first discussing fair vs. unfair is one of the most important things. Be sure to explain to your child how people are treated fairly and how they might be treated unfairly because of their own beliefs, gender, age, or religion, and why that is not right.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
LS: How do you approach teaching preschool aged children about race and diversity? How can parents talk to their children about these topics?
MJ: I teach my students to love their enemies, but hold them accountable and responsible for their own behavior! Throughout life, I teach my students that things will always change and love will conquer hate, no matter how long it takes.
Parents can help by allowing their child to watch cartoons about racism or read books about fairness. First, you may need to address any internal challenges you may have with race or racism and examine any concerns, questions or possible biases you may carry. Always, take a few moments to gather your thoughts and to clarify the goal of the conversation. Then, start a chat that helps your child understand what racism looks like.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
LS: What types of activities can parents or teachers get their kids involved with?
MJ: Sometimes visual examples allow children to understand important lessons. Parents can use multicultural examples like dolls, multicultural pictures, or examples of being fair or unfair to help them understand how to treat others who may be different.
Teachers can use props like M&Ms as a sweet way to discuss different races. While the candy comes in different colors, they are all the same on the inside.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
LS: What resources do you recommend? Any books or videos to suggest for our LS community?
MJ: I recommend YouTube videos on how to teach yourself and children about racism. I would recommend learning and watching videos or cartoons with your friends and family on how to treat people. I would also recommend reading books to your kids about racism, diversity and equality.
LS: Here are a few specific resources to explore with your families:
- 12 Books About Equality for Kids Ages 3-5
- 10 Children’s Books about Equality & Diversity
- 21 Children's Books that Teach Diversity and Compassion
- Sesame Street: What Is Racism? (YouTube)
- Sesame Street: Explaining Race (YouTube)
Teaching our children about Martin Luther King Jr. and the values he stood for is more than a history lesson; it's a way of imbuing them with the principles of fairness, equality & love. By using the suggested ideas and resources, parents and teachers can lay a solid foundation for understanding and respecting diversity from a young age.
Let's continue the conversation. Share your experiences and ideas on how to teach children about Martin Luther King Jr. and the values he championed. Together, we can keep his dream alive for the next generation!
