Martin Luther King Jr. was a man who believed in kindness, fairness, and love for everyone. Teaching preschoolers about him can be a wonderful way to introduce important values like equality, respect, and peaceful problem-solving. Here are simple ways to share his story and legacy with your little ones.
Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.?
Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader who worked to make the world a better place. He believed that everyone, no matter the color of their skin, should be treated equally. He gave speeches, led marches, and encouraged people to solve problems without fighting.
One way to introduce Dr. King is by sharing that he had a dream—a dream that everyone would be treated fairly and kindly. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech is a great starting point. Use simple language like:
"Dr. King dreamed that kids could play together, no matter their skin color."
"He wanted everyone to have the same opportunities in life."
"He showed us how to solve problems by talking and working together."
How to Teach Preschoolers About Martin Luther King Jr.
Introducing Martin Luther King Jr. to preschoolers doesn’t have to be complex. At this age, the focus is on values preschoolers can relate to, such as kindness, fairness, empathy, and dreaming big, all key parts of Dr. King’s life and legacy.
1. Start With Simple Ideas They Understand
Instead of jumping into historical details, explain who Dr. King was in language preschoolers can grasp. For example: he was a man who believed everyone should be treated fairly and kindly, and he worked to make the world a better place for all people. You can say, “Dr. King had a dream that all kids could play together and be treated equally, no matter what,” which helps connect his life to concepts children already know.
Instead of jumping into historical details, explain who Dr. King was in language preschoolers can grasp. For example: he was a man who believed everyone should be treated fairly and kindly, and he worked to make the world a better place for all people. You can say, “Dr. King had a dream that all kids could play together and be treated equally, no matter what,” which helps connect his life to concepts children already know.
2. Focus on Values, Not Dates
Preschoolers learn best through ideas they can experience. Emphasize themes like kindness, fairness, and caring for others. Ask questions like: What does it mean to be kind? Or, how can we help others feel included? These gentle conversations plant seeds of empathy and respect without needing a full history lesson.
Preschoolers learn best through ideas they can experience. Emphasize themes like kindness, fairness, and caring for others. Ask questions like: What does it mean to be kind? Or, how can we help others feel included? These gentle conversations plant seeds of empathy and respect without needing a full history lesson.
3. Use Books That Reinforce the Message
Reading age-appropriate books helps young children connect with big ideas. Choose picture books that highlight diversity, fairness, and kindness. Titles that explain Dr. King’s life in simple terms or that reflect his values help little ones understand his message in a meaningful way.
Reading age-appropriate books helps young children connect with big ideas. Choose picture books that highlight diversity, fairness, and kindness. Titles that explain Dr. King’s life in simple terms or that reflect his values help little ones understand his message in a meaningful way.
4. Connect Values to Everyday Experiences
Help children see how Dr. King’s ideas show up in their lives. Talk about sharing, playing with everyone at school, and listening to others’ feelings. Reinforce the idea that fairness and kindness are things they practice every day.
Help children see how Dr. King’s ideas show up in their lives. Talk about sharing, playing with everyone at school, and listening to others’ feelings. Reinforce the idea that fairness and kindness are things they practice every day.
5. Link to Simple Activities
Pair your conversation with a hands-on activity from your blog (like the handprint friendship wreath or “We Are All the Same” egg activity). Activities like these turn abstract ideas into tangible learning as children create, talk, and play while exploring what fairness and kindness look like.
Pair your conversation with a hands-on activity from your blog (like the handprint friendship wreath or “We Are All the Same” egg activity). Activities like these turn abstract ideas into tangible learning as children create, talk, and play while exploring what fairness and kindness look like.
Activities to Teach Preschoolers About Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Coloring Pages
Handprint Friendship Wreath
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Construction paper: A variety of skin colors
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
WHAT TO DO:
Trace your child’s hand on one piece of construction paper to use as a template. You can trace their hand on the same paper as many times as it will fit.
Place a few other papers behind the template paper.
Cut out the handprints.
You should now have a variety of different colored hand prints.
Have your child line up the handprints in a pattern. Arrange them in a circle to create a wreath.
Tell your child that this wreath symbolizes unity and friendship.
Hang it up and talk about how everyone’s hands are important and can work together.
Kindness Jar
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Jar
- Popsicle sticks or a piece of paper
- Markers
WHAT TO DO:
If you are using paper, cut the paper into strips.
On the popsicle sticks or strips of paper, write or draw acts of kindness (e.g., "Share my toys," "Say thank you").
Fold the strips of paper and put them in the jar or place the popsicle sticks in the jar.
Each day, choose one act to focus on as a family.
OPTIONAL: Decorate your jar with hearts, bows, hand prints, kind words, or anything you'd like.
Matching Game: "Same and Different"
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Everyday objects and toys (e.g., blocks, toy animals, silverware).
WHAT TO DO:
Gather pairs of items that are alike but different.
Ask your child to sort them into groups.
For example:
- Spoon and fork.
- Zebra and horse.
- Red Lego and blue Lego.
- Black car and yellow car.
Talk about how differences make things special and why it is good that things are different. What would the world be like if everything was the same?
We Are All the Same
WHAT YOU NEED:
- One white egg
- One brown egg
- Two bowls
- Paper towels
- Marker
WHAT TO DO:
Draw a little happy face on each egg to show that these eggs represent people.
Point out the differences in their outer appearances, such as color and texture, and explain that just like people, eggs can look different on the outside.
Crack the eggs into separate bowls.
Compare the insides of the white and brown eggs. Point out that they both have egg whites and yolks, despite their different outward appearances.
Discuss how, just like the eggs, people may look different on the outside, but we all have the same feelings, hopes, and dreams on the inside.
Emphasize the importance of treating everyone with kindness and fairness, just as Martin Luther King Jr. advocated.
I Have a Dream
WHAT YOU NEED:
- I Have a Dream page
- 2 different skin color paints (dark brown and tan)
- Marker or pen
WHAT TO DO:
Put one color of paint on your right hand and press your hand on the right side of the earth.
Put the other color paint on your left hand and press your hand on the left side of the earth.
These handprints represent all the different types of people in the world. The heart represents kindness and that we can all be kind to each other.
Talk about Martin Luther King Jr. What was his dream? What is your dream?
Write your answer at the top of the page.
Books About Martin Luther King Jr. and Books That Reflect MLK’s Values
Choose preschool-friendly books that explain Dr. King’s life and work in simple terms. To further instill Dr. King’s message of equality, kindness, and fairness, below are some additional books:
Why Teach This to Preschoolers?
Preschoolers are at a perfect age to learn about kindness, fairness, and love. Teaching them about Martin Luther King Jr. helps them understand these values in a real-world context. By celebrating his legacy, you’re laying the foundation for them to grow into compassionate and respectful individuals.
Let’s honor Martin Luther King Jr. by teaching our children the importance of love, kindness, and dreaming big!
- Jeni
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