Teach Love and Compassion Through Family Service on MLK Day
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’”
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday is the only federal holiday in the U.S. observed as a national day of service. It was created to honor Dr. King’s teachings and legacy while helping to strengthen communities and address social problems. While many people look forward each year to spending a “day on, not off” working with others on community service projects and attending events that promote unity, this is not the year to attend large group gatherings as positive COVID-19 cases continue to increase throughout Georgia.
Even with this year’s volunteer limitations, you can plan at-home activities that introduce your children to Martin Luther King, Jr., and the important role he played in civil rights and American history. It is his compassion and belief in selfless service that America embodies on the third Monday of January each year with a dedicated day of service, and those values can be taught at home as well.
Five Meaningful Ways to Teach Service and Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Life
1. Read children’s books about Dr. King’s life and social justice and talk about the challenges he faced in advocating for civil rights, how changes happen, the qualities of a leader and etc.
We recommend the following books:
The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. recommended for ages 2 – 5
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recommended for ages 5 – 9
I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World) recommended for ages 5 – 8
Celebra El Dia de Martin Luther King, Jr. con la Clase de la Sra. Park recommended for children 4 and older
The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Biography Book for New Readers recommended for age 6 – 9
What was the March on Washington? Recommended for ages 8 and older
2. Introduce your little ones to Martin Luther King, Jr. with some fun and engaging videos. Here’s four that we think the whole family can appreciate.
3. Plan some activities that emphasize some of Dr. King’s values and teachings.
We love this activity as how it leads to a discussion on equality. It takes a small bit of planning but it is simple to do: Egg Cracking Activity from The Seasoned Mom.
How about an activity that promotes peace? Try these Handprint Peace Doves or these Paper Plate Peace Signs.
Explore a museum or take a tour…virtually:
o Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Georgia
o National Center for Civil and Human Rights
4. Complete a family volunteer or service activity.
Volunteer from home with Hands On Atl
Check the Volunteer Service Opportunities Guide from Georgia’s Department of Human Services.
See the ideas from the United Way.
Organize your own family service event: Clean up trash and debris in your park or neighborhood; write letters to the troops; create comfort bags for the homeless; organize with a homeless center or food bank to provide sandwiches, a meal or other donations from your family.
5. If you live near a National Park, admission is free on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! After you do your “day on,” get out and enjoy socially-distanced family time or include a volunteer activity at the park as part of your family’s service day. (Check to ensure that the park is open and other guidelines before you go.)
