January 18, 2009 | 6 Comments

Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ?

Read This !

“My Brother Martin : A Sister Remembers. Growing Up With Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ” by Christine King Farris. Teaching preschoolers about history is tricky, but you can do it, you just have to break it down and give them bits they can relate to. This book does a fantastic job, while reading it I always have to hold in tears, it is just such a unique look at the childhood of a man who’s dreams changed the world. What I love about this book is that the majority of it is about his childhood and children can relate so much more easily to him as a child growing up then simply as this great man on the podium. Kids always love learning that he played pranks on people just like they like to do. The author explains prejudice and segregation in a straightforward and simple way so that children can understand and reflect on how it feels to be treated like that. The book doesn’t ignore the great accomplishments and wonderful man the little boy became but does a wonderful job making Dr. King into a hero your child can feel something in common with , and in return become more interested about.

Dream Big !

I have done this with classes as young as 3, most toddlers have a hard time understanding what a dream is but if you think your child will “get” it , go for it!

Gather your materials. All you need is a child, some hopes and dreams , a piece of paper and pencil.
Have your child write , or dictate to you what they want to change in the world. Resist the temptation to correct or edit them, let them dream even if it’s not as altruistic as you hoped or something you know to be impossible. Dreams can be impossible and preschoolers are pretty self centered so just let them dream!
Have them write out ways they can make their dream come true.
When they are done seal it up and put it somewhere safe until next year, when you open it and write another, then seal them both up. Before you know it you will have years and years of dreams.