This component of the unit is closure.
It is at this part of the unit that students are introduced to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This introduction is made at Storytime through children’s literature centering on his heroism. The instructor will read aloud the literature.
Martin Luther King embraced the concept of civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance. MLK hoped to awaken the sense of moral shame in the opponent, (white supremacists and institutionalized racist structures), so that in the end, there will be redemption and reconciliation. Nonviolence involves the willingness to love the other, to attack forces of evil rather than the individual, and to forgive. New Haven public school social development program,
Project Charlie
could be implemented here.
The bibliography is as follows:
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1. A PICTURE BOOK OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
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by David Adler
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2. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. KING
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by Kathryn Jones
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3. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTIN LUTHER KING
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by Jean Marzollo
In response to the literature, students will independently write in some form why they feel King is a hero. This work will be a work in progress. Upon editing and revisions, all student work will be compiled in a class book to be displayed in a school showcase.
Another activity would be for students to share a dream. Remind children that MLK always sought peaceful solutions to problems. He dreamed that people could live together without being mean to one another. If possible play a recording of the I Have a Dream Speech. Point out some of the images MLK had for the future. Instruct students to write their own speech.