How to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jan 16, 2012 7:00 AM by Kori Ellis

Posted in Parenting / Family Fun / Family Activities

Read age-appropriate books

Choose age-appropriate books to teach your kids about Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. Even very young kids can benefit from learning about MLK.

Here are a few reading suggestions to consider, depending on the age of your children.

For preschoolers: A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.
For grade school kids: Meet Martin Luther King, Jr.
For high schoolers: The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Celebrate diversity

Celebrate Dr. King's birthday by appreciating diversity. You can create a multicultural dinner where you serve food from various parts of the country and the world. From Italian pasta to Boston clam chowder and Chinese egg rolls to Atlanta peach pie, your children will love learn about the different cultures and foods from around the globe.

Since most schools are closed on MLK Day, allow your children to help out in the kitchen preparing your special meal.

Listen to his words

The Seattle Times has put together a special MLK section that is especially helpful to parents, teachers and children. It includes Dr. King's biography, photo galleries, a timeline, quizzes, and a selection of his speeches, sermons and letters. Allow your kids to listen or read his "I Have a Dream" speech and other excerpts. Discuss what his words mean. Talk about the civil rights movement and some of the problems that still exist today. The King Center website is also a fabulous resource for information about Dr. King, his life and his message.

Attend special events

Almost every major city in the country holds special events and celebrations on MLK Day. Find out if there are any marches, parades, seminars, church services and other activities in your area. Check with your chamber of commerce, convention and vistor's bureau, parks and recreation department, libraries and museums to find out about events you may be interested in attending.

Check out these five awesome places to visit this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day >>

Learn about Black History Month

As a follow up to MLK Day, start planning ahead for Black History Month in February. Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of African Americans in U.S. History. The History Channel offers a number of TV shows, online articles, videos, photo galleries, book suggestions and other interactives that can be helpful in teaching your children about Black History Month.