“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically – that is the goal of true education.” ~ Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In recognition of Dr. King and his unwavering fight for equity and justice for all, we infused the curriculum with lessons and activities to honor Dr. King.
Mr. Kelley began the celebration of Dr. King’s life during our morning assemblies by sharing a short reflection or video clip each day: he showed a picture of the King Memorial in DC, 8th graders shared their favorite quotes and explained the importance of the meaning, we viewed a 2-minute video clip of Dr. King’s speech, I’ve Been to the Mountaintop, April 3, 1968, and we watched a video of Amazing Grace sung by Gospel Touch Choir.
Throughout the month students in all grades have been learning about the life of Dr. King and his message through a wide variety of activities:
- Pre-kindergarten incorporated a read-a-loud video of I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer into their studies and class discussions.
- Kindergarteners watched videos on promoting justice and peace, which culminated with a fun painting activity that produced peace signs.
- The fourth grade is currently reading It Took Courage by Lilly Tuttle and My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris.
- The fifth graders read a play entitled Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreams of Justice, by Adam Grant and watched a video about Dr. King.
- In their weekly current event and social issue discussions with the Head of School, Upper School students reflected on quotes found in Letters from a Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963.
- Diversity, Equity, and Justice classes in grades 5-8 watched Freedom’s Ring, an animated transcription of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech.
- Fifth grade students created a bulletin board featuring their own dreams for making the world better.
- The eighth grade also researched Emmett Till, Bull Connor, and George Wallace to build context for their study of the Civil Rights Movement.
As we continue to celebrate the life of Dr. King and discuss his teachings, it is evident that our core values and our school’s mission of Joy, Understanding and Respect, align with many of Dr. King’s views.
Mattie Edwards Kemp
Director of Diversity, Equality, and Justice
