Peace and Love

Peace Wreath

Introducing and discussing Martin Luther King, Jr. with the children was exciting and also eye opening.

When I taught in the public schools, by the time the children came to me, they already had an introduction to MLK and a general understanding of what segregation was, so we just dove deeper. In our case, this was the first time for all of the children to learn about this great leader in our country's history.

The main consideration was asking myself if it would be difficult for these young children to understand the struggles of MLK in an age when many of the worst aspects of segregation have been erased. This is a big concept for little ones to understand. We read many wonderful books. Initially, some of the children seemed  more obsessed with the fact that MLK had been shot, than what it was he stood for. It was a bit tricky at first, so we had to go back and have many discussions. We talked about equality and the power of love. In the end, they understood how MLK wanted to help make the world a better place, what his vision was, and how he did it in a peaceful way.

We also read What Does Peace Feel Like. Such a lovely book.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

-MLK, Jr.