A guide for using our resources

Children will define justice and describe how to create a community of love.

Social Studies Focus: Civics

SEL Focus: social awareness, relationship skills

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text: Feliz cumpleaños Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Jean Marzollo

  • A picture book to clearly explain in plain words Dr. King's story for all kids to understand.  
  • Captivating illustrations depict moments of King’s life.

Shared Writing: Nuestra querida comunidad del salón de clases

  • On chart paper, write: En nuestra querida comunidad, nosotros... Then ask kids to complete the sentence. You can start with examples from the issue: incluir a todos, ayudar a los demás, and solucionar problemas pacífi camente.
  • Invite kids to contribute more ideas. Examples might be: somos amables, escuchamos a los demás, somos justos, and so on.

Hands-on Activity: Haz platos de la paz

Skill: art, social-emotional learning

Materials: paper plates, masking tape, paint, brushes

  • This easy art project celebrates Dr. King’s message of peace and diversity.
  • In advance, use masking tape to make a peace sign on the back of a paper plate. Make one for each child. 
  • Then let kids paint the plate using a variety of colors.
  • When the paint is dry, peel off the tape to reveal a beautiful peace sign! If you'd like, you can outline the circle with a marker. Display kids’ work and discuss how each peace sign is unique, just like people are—and that each is beautiful in its own special way!