I taught kindergarten for many years. According to the social studies curriculum in one district in which I taught, kindergartners were to recognize three important U.S. figures–George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr. So I did my best to help five- and six-year-olds understand why these men were so important.
It wasn’t an easy task.
Today, I share with you one kindergarten student’s writing. I think he sort of got it. I’m also sharing some art work we did to ensure that the kiddos would always recognize and remember MLK, Jr.’s face.
Enjoy!
A String of Pearls 
Jan 20, 2014 @ 09:39:30
This is so very important, I hope they continue to add to this list and the ideals these people represent. It’s reassuring that enthusiastic and dedicated people as yourself are here to strengthen and reinforce these ideologies to perpetuate throughout time.
Jan 20, 2014 @ 12:54:22
Glad you think so, even in this very elementary way. Had a great time reading an MLK, Jr. book and leading the related discussion with my second graders this year. Just got a new kid who came from Corpus Christi and he said he had participated in a march and met a 102-year-old woman who had met and walked with MLK, Jr! Kids love this stuff. They just can’t imagine how it used to be. (Hard for me to, too, sometimes.)
Jan 21, 2014 @ 17:49:11
This one had me shed a tear. You did excellent work.
Jan 21, 2014 @ 18:14:22
Kindergartners are amazing writers! They write freely, not realizing yet that people read their work and possibly judge.
Jan 21, 2014 @ 18:15:49
That’s the best way to write– that’s what I aspire to, everyday.
Feb 18, 2014 @ 11:13:22
I love these pictures. I could look at them all day.
Feb 18, 2014 @ 17:31:56
Thanks, Tony O. I guess that’s why I love my job. I get to look at this stuff all YEAR long. 🙂