MLK Jr. Day Activities for Kids

I never knew how challenging it might be to have conversations regarding adversity until I became a parent. While Logan is still small and the ideas are still beyond his understanding, I think it is important to build the stepping stones for those conversations now so they get easier and easier down the line no matter how much more complex and in depth they get. The first step was discussing MLK Jr. and his legacy.

Recognizing such a historical pillar as Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK Jr.) is one that comes with a little more ease because his societal familiarity is strong. However, with current events being reflective and parallel to some of the challenges he addressed in his “I Have a Dream” address; it goes to show that while time might have passed, societal and systemic racism has not diminished.

With this I have partnered with Craft + Boogie to bring you 3 crafts & some coloring pages to work on with your kids while having the conversations that need to be had in regards to addressing racism, what Martin Luther King Jr.’s dreams were and creating goals as a family as to what you can do to combat inequalities.

I will also be linking some of my favorite books at the end that can help you have those tough conversations or introduce different cultures.

NOTE — We only had a chance to do ONE of these projects prior to me posting this blog so I’ll be posting pictures of creating that! However Meghan over at Craft + Boogie did all the leg work on each project so YOU can have examples and steps!

1 | Everybody is Great Wall Hanging

Inspiration —

EVERYBODY CAN BE GREAT BECAUSE EVERYBODY CAN SERVE. YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE TO SERVE. YOU DON’T HAVE TO MAKE YOUR SUBJECT AND YOUR VERB AGREE TO SERVE. YOU ONLY NEED A HEART FULL OF GRACE, A SOUL GENERATED BY LOVE. ― Martin Luther King Jr.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Brown, black, and white construction paper for hands

• Rainbow construction paper for hearts

• Twine (I used yarn)

• Liquid glue

• Scissors

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Trace your family members’ hands many times on the brown, black, and white paper.

2. Cut out the tracings and glue them together in a circle, using the photos as a guide.

3. Cut out lots of hearts in varying sizes.

4. Cut your twine into many pieces of different lengths.

5. Glue the hearts to the twine. Then glue the twine to the back of the hands.

6. Cut a final piece of twine to use for hanging. Glue it to the top of the hands circle. Set your wall hanging aside to dry complete.

7. When your craft is dry, hang it somewhere central in your home. Use it as an invitation to talk about MLK’s life, legacy, and quest for racial justice, peace, and love.

2 | Drive Out Darkness Luminary

Inspiration —

DARKNESS CANNOT DRIVE OUT DARKNESS; ONLY LIGHT CAN DO THAT. HATE CANNOT DRIVE OUT HATE; ONLY LOVE CAN DO THAT. —Martin Luther King, Jr.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Clear glass or plastic jar

• Tissue paper

• Liquid white glue or Mod Podge

• Large paint brush or sponge

• Paper + pen to write the famous MLK quote

• Sequins or star confetti (optional)

• Flameless tea light candles

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Tear your colorful tissue paper into many strips or small pieces.

2. Glue the tissue pieces to your container.

3. If you’re using Mod Podge, paint a thin coat of Mod Podge over the top of the tissue. This will give the tissue a glossy look and help all the pieces stay down.

Set aside to dry.

4. Meanwhile, write the Martin Luther King quote on a bright piece of paper. Cut it out and glue it to the container.

5. Add sequins or star confetti, if you’d like.

6. When your luminary is completely dry, drop a few flameless candles in it and screw on the lid.

7. Place your luminary somewhere special in your home, where your whole family can see it. Let it be an invitation to talk about MLK’s life, legacy, and quest for racial justice & non violence.

3 | Presence of Justice Peace Sign

Inspiration —

TRUE PEACE IS NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF TENSION; IT IS THE PRESENCE OF JUSTICE. ―Martin Luther King Jr.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Paint

• Paintbrush

• Masking tape or washi tape

• White paper plate or large paper circle

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Lay the tape down on your paper circle. Press firmly around the edges.

2. Paint your circle! Make sure to leave no white. It’s okay to cover the tape.

3. Set your artwork aside to dry completely.

4. Once your artwork is dry, slowly and carefully peel the tape off the paper circle to reveal a peace sign.

5. Hang your artwork somewhere special in your home, where your whole family can see it. Let it be an invitation to talk about MLK’s life, legacy, and quest for racial justice & peace.

4 | Coloring Pages [FREE PRINTABLE] – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Here are some of my favorite books to add to your library 🤎🤍🖤

1 | Skin Like Mine by Latisha M. Perry — https://amzn.to/2LwLl0Y

2 | We’re Different. We’re the Same. & We’re All Wonderfull by Sesame Street — https://amzn.to/39C9Sdd

3 | The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez — https://amzn.to/2MVycin

4 | The Colors of Us by Karen Katz — https://amzn.to/38HYixW

5 | Stamped (for Kids) Racism, AntiRacism & You by Ibram X. Kendi — https://amzn.to/35YTJh5

If you need some Instagram Quotes to share on MLK day, please visit my blog post, 10 MLK QUOTES THAT ARE MORE RELEVANT NOW THAN EVER, by clicking here.

I hope you enjoyed this collaboration as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you! Please follow @craftandboogie on Instagram & subscribe to their monthly craft box! You get 4 crafts + more!!

Always, Ashley