MLK for Kids Focus Session

This year, the MLK Committee is offering a Focus Session dedicated to children in grades K-8. With an emphasis on music, literature and art, children of all ages will come away with a deeper sense of what MLK Day is about and how it connects with their community and their own unfolding stories.

This is not a drop-off or daycare; parents must be in the building (Helge Center, adjacent to the Chapel of the Resurrection) with children.

SCHEDULE

9:30 am

Welcome

9:40 am

Introducing kids to the day’s theme through the gospel song turned civil rights anthem, “What Everybody Ought to Know.” This session will be led by Judith Neville, owner of the Gratz Opus 118 Music & Dance Studio, and director of the Voices of Today children’s community choir.

10:15 am

Children will be split into two groups based on grades: K-4 and 5-8. Using books and poetry, crafts and conversation, each child will have an age-appropriate way to engage with the topics highlighted in the adult Focus Sessions, including Wealthy & Inequality, Faith & Justice, Equity & Access and Environment & Inclusion.

11:15 am

Closing Activity: All students will listen to a reading of Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. In this book, Clara is a young slave who works as a seamstress. Overhearing other slaves talk of the way to freedom, Clara creates a patchwork quilt that can guide others to freedom. When Clara escapes, she leaves the quilt in hopes of saving others as well. Before they leave, children will create their own “quilt square” from paper, which will be put together for display.

11:45 am

Lunch: Pizza provided

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact Thais Carter.