The third Monday of every January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s a day we pause to remember a man that did so much for civil rights that I often wonder what the landscape of our world would look like if he hadn’t dared to dream. Yes, there is still lots of work to be done and many battles yet to be won but, we’ve come a long way.
Are you home with your kids this MLK day? Don’t miss this teachable moment. Here are seven ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Day with your kids.
Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The MLK Memorial opened in 2011 and draws thousands of visitors to Washington, DC every year. If you’re not near Washington DC, keep the memorial in mind the next time you visit.
Watch a MLK Parade
There are several parades and events taking place all around the country. A quick web search will let you know what’s happening near you.
Listen to the I Have a Dream Speech
Every time, I listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech, I get chills down my spine. Listen to the speech with your kids. It may be the first time that they get to listen to the speech in its entirety. Listen to the “I Have a Dream Speech”here.
Read a Special Book Together
There are several books that are great for snuggling up and learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Some that young readers may enjoy are:
A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr.
My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A Story of Martin Luther King Jr.
Visit a National Park
There are 16 fee-free days at the National Park in 2016, one of which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Enjoy 127 parks that usually charge a fee for free. I got to visit Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park on a visit to Wyoming last year and both are absolutely beautiful and on the list!
Watch Selma
Award winning Selma is not directly about Martin Luther King’s life but it is about the Civil Right’s movement. Since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played a pivotal role in the advancement of equal rights this film is a must see. The movie is rated PG-13 so if your children are less than 10 years old, they may have to sit this one out.
Write Down Big Dreams
What dreams do you have for yourself? What dreams do you have for your kids? For the family? What dreams do your kids have themselves? If you don’t ask, you won’t know. Encourage your children to write their dreams down for themselves and their dreams for the world. Nothing is too small or too big. Then have a discussion about how you can make those dreams a reality.
We all share a responsibility to make a change in our homes, in our communities, in our world. If not now then when? If not you, then who? What gifts are you holding back?
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