Celebrate Martin Luther King Day
Crafts and Activities for Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday
Make an "I have a dream mobile" and share your hopes and dreams as you celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest men of our time - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr had a dream - that people of all races, religions, shapes and sizes would come together in peace and harmony. This holiday is about celebrating the things we all have in common while not worrying over the differences. After all we are just people.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January. In 2008 we honor Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 21 . Here are some easy kid's crafts and educational activities to help you get the most out of this special holiday.
I Have a Dream Mobile
You will need:
- cardstock or construction paper
- paper punch
- crayons or markers
- yarn
- stickers, glitter or other decorations for your mobile
What you do:
1. Cut a large cloud shape out of a piece of card stock. If you are using construction paper cut two of the same shape and size and glue them together so they are strong enough to hold your mobile. Your cloud needs to be long enough to hand three or four smaller clouds from it.
2. Cut out three or four smaller cloud shapes. These can be different colors and even different shapes. You don't have to use clouds - they can be circles, squares, hands or whatever you like.
3. On the large cloud write the words "I have a dream" on both sides. Decorate however you like. You can use stickers, glitter or draw a picture or a rainbow on your cloud. Decorate both sides. Now punch two holes evenly spaced across the top. Cut a piece of yarn about a foot long and tie an end in each hole. This is how you will hang your mobile.
4. On the smaller clouds, write what your dreams are. Do you want to be a doctor? Would you like everyone to be happy? Do you want to own a puppy? Your dreams can be big ones or small ones - they are yours and that is what makes them special. Again, decorate each cloud however you would like it to look.
5. Now punch a hole for each cloud along the bottom of the larger cloud - spacing them out evenly. Then punch a hole in the top of each little cloud. Cut a piece of string to go with each cloud, making them different lengths. Tie one end of the string in the bottom of the large cloud and the other end in the top of a small cloud. Repeat until you have all your shapes hanging from the larger cloud.
6. Hang your "I have a dream" mobile where you can share your dreams with others.
Try These Other Fun Activities:
- Read a book on Martin Luther King, Jr
- Make a poster about his life
- Write a story about your hopes and dreams
- Think of ways you can make a difference in your community
