Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In the past we have not done much to commemorate the day, outside of you tubing the “I Have a Dream” speech. To be honest I usually miss the special holidays, they sneak up on me. We don’t celebrate Columbus Day (ever sense the year I really paid attention to what the school history books leave out), we usually work through the bank holidays and do a pinterest search for crafts half way through the day.

This year the kids are older and unlike Christopher Columbus, Martin Luther was a man of character I want my children to immolate in their own lives. I wanted an opportunity to discuss civil disobedience, the impact of one man’s influence, and the importance of valuing every life. So when Family Christian asked me to write a homeschool unit and sent me a gift certificate to search their shelves for material to do so, I was thrilled.

Martin Luther King Jr Homeschool Unit

History

Create a time line of events in Dr. King’s life.

Listen to one of Dr. King’s speeches or purchase the book I Have a Dream - Special Anniversary Edition: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World by James Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., and Coretta Scott King. Choose just one speech. What stood out to you? What was the main point? How did people react to what he said? How can you apply it in your life today?

Bible

Read the story of David and Goliath, 1 Samuel 17. We purchased The Almighty Bible 1 Samuel from our local Family Christian store, mainly because I love the art work. The story of Goliath is captured on pages 82-89. If you have a child that loves graphic novels then this will make a great addition to their library. After reading the story discuss the similarities between David and Dr. King.

What was the Goliath in Dr. King’s life?

Did David use his own strength to conquer Goliath?

How did Dr. King battle his Goliath?

What about in your own life? Are you facing a Goliath? How can the examples of David and Dr. King help you?

For additional study continue reading about the life of David. Pay particular attention to his interactions with Saul as he was being hunted. On two different occasions David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose to spare his life instead. Dr. King had many opportunities to chose violence, especially when it was directed towards him and his family, but chose instead a non-violent solution.

Writing

Essay paralleling an event in David’s life with an event in Dr. King’s life.

Creative short story placing oneself into the scene at one of Dr. King’s life events.

A letter to Dr. King on what the world is like today because of him.

What is an injustice you see today? Mimic Dr. King’s voice and write a speech addressing the change needed and inspiring others to do so peacefully.

Music and Art

Dr. King quoted the words from a spiritual “Free at Last” in his “I Have a Dream” speech, listen to it here.

Make a collage of words. Print, write, or cut quotes from Dr. King and paste them on a large mural.

Family Christian has some fun clay Bible character kits for the younger ones to create their own David and Goliath as well as some fun Mess Free Coloring Books featuring Bible stories.

Using construction paper of various colors, trace and cut handprints stringing them together to make a classroom banner.

Film

End the day with a movie. We enjoyed Our Friend, Martin (1999). It is about two boys who travel back in time and visit Martin Luther King Jr. at various times during his life. Next on our list to watch is The Boy King (1986).

Activity

Sit in a circle and give everyone some balloons. Go around the circle naming some of the injustices you see in the world. For each wrong place one balloon in the circle. After every one is done go back around the circle with ideas on how to address those wrongs. How can you stand up for those you see who are being mistreated? For each idea pop a balloon. This activity and many more like it can be found in Amazing Adventures Creative Connections and Daring Deeds by Tim and Alison Simpson.

Parents

MLK Day is a great opportunity to foster discussions of civil disobedience, social justice, equality, and personal influence. Here are a few books to help give you the background necessary to discuss:

Overrated by Eugene Cho Link leads to a book review. Overrated is about social justice in a world filled with selfies.

The Difference You Makeby Pat Williams with Jim Denney is about the influence each of us has and how we can use it to better the world.

Heroes in Black History by Neta Jackson and Dave Jackson features 42 short bios of African American Christians. This would be a great opportunity to introduce your children to historical heroes. Start on MLK Day and continue through Black History Month reading one bio every night.

All books mentioned in this post can be purchased through Family Christian.