We read a couple of books about about peace and friendship including Can You Say Peace by Karen Katz and We All Sing With The Same Voice by Phillip J Miller.
We discussed the theme of peace and friendship and talked about what it means to be peaceful and friendly. (topics that aren't limited to MLK day, we discuss these themes quite often.)
We then read this beautiful book I recently discovered called I Have A Dream by Martin Luther King Jr. and Kadir Nelson. The book has gorgeous illustrations!
This description was from Amazon:
from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s daughter, Dr. Bernice A. King:
“My father’s dream continues to live on from generation to generation, and this beautiful and powerful illustrated edition of his world-changing "I Have a Dream" speech brings his inspiring message of freedom, equality, and peace to the youngest among us—those who will one day carry his dream forward for everyone."
Although the book is beautiful I did skip over some of the vocabulary/parts that I knew would be too complicated or mature for my 4 year old and 2 year old. I still think it's a great book to introduce MLK day to preschoolers and it allowed for age appropriate discussions about who MLK was, what he stood for, and why we celebrate him.
After we read and discussed the story I asked the girls to draw illustrations (observational drawings) about what they liked about the story. As they recalled what they wanted to draw they revisited the story, turning to favorites pages. This is a great comprehension activity to do with any story!
The girls were given clip boards, paper and pencils to do their drawings. Clip boards are another great way to make drawing and writing fun! Kids love them and it also allows for writing to be done in many places other than a table.
When they were finished they were asked to tell me about their drawings. As they told me about them I wrote down their dictations on the drawing. This is a great way to model that print has meaning. You are teaching them that what they say, their very own words can be written down and thus words have meaning!
Here is my 2 year olds
Here is my 4 year olds:
When they were done I mounted them with black construction paper and displayed them in our kitchen.
Don't forget to display those drawings! Kids love to see their work displayed with honor!
Simple, fun, age appropriate way to celebrate an American Hero!
This activity was linked with
Great ideas! I love the new picture book, We March, about a boy getting ready with his family to hear the I Have a Dream speech. Thanks for linking up to The Children's Bookshelf!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome!!!
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