Mastering Martin Luther King, Jr.

We have been learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, and how he led our nation to change significant laws regarding the fair treatment of all Americans. Using language they understand, RESPECT and FAIRNESS are the focal points of learning about him. In an activity to organize some thoughts about King, specifically to write three words to describe Martin and three more ideas about what he did, I left the dry erase board. What happened next was a natural reaction by one, then many students, which I found both exciting and memorable. When some children walked up to the board to get a better look at the few ideas that were already brainstormed, it wasn't long before students were uncapping markers and writing MORE thoughts and ideas, beliefs and facts. Sharing the marker is something this class will continue to do more of, because this is proof that they've got it! Thanks, first graders, for teaching your teacher once again.