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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is January 20, 2020, and there are a wide variety of events for all ages going on to remember his work and his impact. Many parents aren't sure how to share his story and his accomplishments with children because in teaching and explaining the amazing things he did, you have to discuss difficult concepts that may be hard to explain to a four or five-year-old child.
However, there are ways you can teach young children about Dr. King's work and his legacy in a way that is age-appropriate, even to preschoolers. To help you observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day with your family, our 5-star preschool is sharing some wonderful children's books, talking tips, and free, family-friendly events in Raleigh.
Discussing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Preschoolers
One of the best ways to introduce Dr. King and his work to young children is through a book about his life. These are excellent options for preschoolers:
- My First Biography: Martin Luther King, Jr - Using simple language and bright illustrations, this book gently explains prejudice and how he worked to bring about change, along with his long-lasting legacy.
- I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World series) - This book does a great job of explaining matters of prejudice in an age-appropriate way and celebrates his life in a way that is engaging and interesting for children while educating them.
- The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. - This board book is probably the easiest for younger readers to understand, describing his childhood through adulthood accurately, but gently, while then discussing his work to end segregation. This is a short, 24 page board book that provides a good introduction to Dr. King's life, and the author actually lives here in Raleigh!
After reading the story, you can start a dialogue about what they thought of the story, and discuss fairness vs. things that aren't fair, which preschoolers generally have a very good understanding of. From there, you can explain how Martin Luther King fought against unfairness to make the country better for more people, using examples from the book.
Be sure to encourage questions, too!
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Raleigh
In addition to reading about Dr. King and discussing his life and work, there are all kinds of family-friendly events happening in the Triangle.
Community Heroes Day
Where: Marbles Kids Museum, 201 East Hargett Street
When: Monday, January 20, 2020; 9:00 A.M.
Head to Marbles Kids Museum for Community Heroes Day, a day to celebrate the everyday heroes in our lives, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. Kids can also be a hero in the community, packing food for Backpack Buddies, learning how to make blankets for hospitals and shelters, and creating sticker books for WAKE Up and Read. There will also be a special storytime with a reading about Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tellebration: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary
When: Saturday, January 18th; 10:00 - 12:00 P.M.
Part of Dreamfest in Cary, Tellebration: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings two African American storytellers to Cary to help children learn about Dr. King, and his life and teachings through engaging stories.
Dreamfest will also be focusing on food security for people in the area, so if you visit, be sure to bring one nonperishable, healthy food per person to help with their food drive!
Opening Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
Where: Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro Street
When: Saturday, January 18th; 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
This is a youth-planned event that is focused on celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy through a day of service. Speakers, bands, and performers will be present to commemorate the event.
Wishing You Peace This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
If you choose to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with your preschoolers, we hope the tips we've shared are helpful. We know this can be a hard topic to discuss with little ones, and we want to do everything we can at our Raleigh preschool to help families around the Triangle tackle the difficult challenges and conversations.
Contact Our 5-Star Preschool in Raleigh
If you’d like to learn more about Primary Beginnings or schedule a tour, we’re here to help! Contact our Raleigh preschool located on Spring Forest Rd at 919-790-6888 or North Hills Drive location at 919-785-0303 today to get started!