MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

How Nannies and Au Pairs Can Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

It is fitting that the first African American will be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America just one day after America recognizes the civil right’s activist Martin Luther King, Jr. The inauguration will be a memorable moment in American and world history.

But, for today, just one day until Barack Obama is inaugurated, we are asked to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. Many schools have are in recess today. So, there is no better time then to engage the children in activities and age appropriate discussions about the civil rights movement in American history. These activities and discussions perfectly parallel the inauguration of the first African American president of the United States of America.

Here are our suggestions:

COMPARE BROWN EGGS & WHITE EGGS:
You will need: brown eggs, white eggs, and a bowl.
Hand each child a brown egg and a white egg. Have them observe the difference between the two eggs. Allow the children to crack the eggs into the bowl. Have the children observe the eggs after being cracked. While the eggs were different colors on the outside, they are the same on the inside, just like people. Then use the eggs in the cake or cupcakes for the birthday party described below.

MLK BIRTHDAY PARTY:
You will need: red, white and blue colored balloons, streamers, party favors, a cake or cupcakes, and red, white and blue candles.
Have a Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday party to celebrate the works of this great man. Let the children hang balloons and streamers to decorate the house or playroom. Bake a cake and use inexpensive party favors to enjoy the party.

MLK BRACELETS:
You will need: red, white and blue beads, construction paper, scissors, hole-punch, and yarn.
Cut out construction paper hearts and punch a hole in the center using a hole-punch. String the red, white and blue beads and construction paper hearts onto a piece of yarn that is about six-inches in length. Tie the ends of yarn together making a bracelet.

PEACE HEADBAND:
http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/
You will need: small white paper plates, scissors, pencil, glue or stapler.
Doves symbolize peace. Draw a line down the middle of small white paper plates. On one half draw a second perpendicular line to the first line. Cut along the lines. The small sections form the dove wings and tail. The larger section is the dove’s body. After the children cut and glue the dove, attach it to a headbands. If you do not have a headband you can make one with heavy weight paper. Simply measure the circumference of the child’s head with a tape measure and cut a two- to three-inch strip of heavy weight paper about an inch larger then the length of the child’s head. Staple the ends together to make a headband.

MARTIN LUTHER KING SONGS:

Dr King Had a Dream (Sung to: Old MacDonald)
Dr. King had a dream for p-e-a-c-e.
He wanted people to be friends and live in harmony.
He had lots of love to share.
He spread kindness everywhere!
Dr. King had a dream for p-e-a-c-e!

A Song About Martin Luther King (Sung to: Yankee Doodle)
Dr. King was a man
Who came from Atlanta Georgia.
Had a dream that he preached
For all men to be equal.
Dr King was so brave
Martin was a hero.
Won the fight for everyone
To end discrimination.

MLK Jr.by Jacqueline Woodson (Sung to: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)
Freedom, freedom, let it ring.
Let it ring said Dr King
Let us live in harmony.
Peace and love for you and me.
Freedom, freedom let it ring.
Let it ring said

CHILDREN'S BOOKS:
1. Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. By Doreen Rappaport
2. Young Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” By Troll Associates
3. A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. By David A. Adler
4. What is Martin Luther King Day? By Margaret Friskey

References:
1. http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=29

2. http://www.perpetualpreschool.com/