In preparation for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, second graders at JKHA read “I Am Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Brad Meltzer and discussed how Dr. King used his words to fight for equality. They learned new vocabulary words including “segregation” and “integration.” In group work they used an open-ended creative graphic organizer to depict in words and pictures some of the peaceful methods Dr. King used to bring about change. After reading an article about Dr. King, they tested their knowledge using a fun SmartBoard trivia game. The students were in awe watching and listening to Dr. King as they viewed his “I Have a Dream” speech.

In early childhood, students also commemorated MLK Day. Pre-K children were paired up and they drew each other, noticing differences and similarities like hair color, eye color and hair type. They also discussed the amazing things Dr. King did for people, like making things fair to all people and encouraging people not to fight. Kindergartners participated in an “I have a dream…” activity with their third grade learning buddies while reading a book about Dr. King together. The third graders and their “buddies” discussed what it means to be a good friend and made a class book of their hopes and dreams. Kindergartners also sorted characteristics and actions into peaceful and not peaceful.