In honor of Martin Luther King Day the first graders spent some time learning about this great man. Students first shared and brainstormed their prior knowledge on Martin Luther King, Jr. Then, as an exercise to understand what segregation was like, students were divided by their eye color. They were told they would not be allowed to play, go to school, eat and even drink out of the same water fountain as the other group. Students next shared how that made them feel. Then they were asked if they would stand up to this unfair law or rule. All classes unanimously agreed they would stand together against the law.

Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo

We then talked about how this is exactly what Martin Luther did. Students then researched more about Martin Luther King, Jr. using the database Pebble Go! Then they listened to the story Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. Afterwards, the students then did some writing on why Martin Luther King is important and what their dream would be for the world.