Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day SEL
Teaching Kindness and Equality on MLK Day: A Simple SEL Activity for Kids
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, respect, and equality. MLK Day offers us a wonderful opportunity to introduce these values to children in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. These social-emotional learning (SEL) activities are designed to help kids reflect on these important principles and how they can practice them in their everyday lives.
Dr. King’s vision of a world rooted in love, justice, and equality aligns perfectly with the goals of social-emotional learning. By teaching children to recognize their emotions, practice empathy, and value diversity, we empower them to carry forward the values Dr. King stood for.
This activity provides kids with a way to:
- Reflect on what kindness, respect, and equality mean to them.
- Recognize how their actions can make a positive impact on others.
- Develop a deeper understanding of Dr. King’s dream and how they can contribute to making it a reality.
Objective: Help children reflect on the concepts of kindness, respect, and equality while fostering creativity and conversation.
What You’ll Need:
- Printable worksheets and study guide (You can download them here.)
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- A quiet space for reflection and discussion
How It Works:
1. Begin by introducing kids to Dr. King’s story. Share his vision for a world where everyone is treated with kindness and fairness.
2. Provide the worksheet and encourage kids to draw or write about their dreams for the world. They might draw a group of kids sharing toys, helping a friend, or standing up for someone in need.
3. Once they’ve completed their work, invite them to share their ideas. Ask open-ended questions like, “Why do you think kindness is important?” or “How can we show respect to others every day?”
4. OPTIONAL: Make a video or take a picture of their answers and tag @raisingresiliency on Instagram.
This activity goes beyond teaching history—it’s about empowering kids to see themselves as changemakers. By reflecting on their own actions and values, they learn that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world.
Extend the Learning:
Want to take this lesson further? Here are some ideas:
Read Aloud: Share a children’s book about Dr. King or kindness, such as *"Martin’s Big Words"* by Doreen Rappaport.
Kindness Challenge: Create a list of small acts of kindness kids can do throughout the week, like helping a sibling or saying something nice to a friend.
Role Play: Practice scenarios where kids can show kindness or stand up for someone being treated unfairly.
Start the Conversation Today
Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” This MLK Day, let’s help our kids answer that question by teaching them the power of kindness, respect, and equality. Whether you’re homeschooling, or sharing this activity with your family, this is a chance to inspire the next generation of compassionate leaders.
Want to try this activity? Download the printable worksheet and get started today!
Have you tried this activity? Share your experience on Instagram and tag @raisingresiliency—we’d love to hear how your kids connected with Dr. King’s message!