Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Resources for Early Learning Teachers and Families
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January every year. As the leader of the civil rights movement in the United States, it’s a day that honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. In observance, Early Edge California has put together a list of various educational resources for young children about the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. and his life’s teachings. We have also included resources for young children on race, racism, and being anti-racist.
For Teachers & Caregivers
- Learning and Living the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. (National Education Association)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers (Kids’ Care Club)
- Race, Equity, and Culture (Sesame Workshop)
- Teaching Preschoolers About MLK (Mama Knows It All)
- “What About People Like Me?” Teaching Preschoolers About Segregation and “Peace Heroes” (NAEYC)
For Families
- 10 Awesome Picture Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Pre-K Pages)
- Children’s Picture Books Celebrating the Inspiration of Martin Luther King Jr. (Los Angeles Public Library)
- Hero for All: Martin Luther King, Jr. (National Geographic Kids)
- Honoring the Real Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (PBS KIDS for Parents)
- Keeping the Dream Alive: 30+ Children’s Books to Read for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Or Anytime of the Year) (Here Wee Read)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Booklist (Quality Start Los Angeles)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Ways to honor his legacy with your kids (KinderCare)
- Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism (PBS KIDS for Parents)
- Why We Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Parents)
Learn more about the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
- Major King Events Chronology: 1929-1968 and Recommended Readings (Stanford University’s The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute)