Wouldn't it be terrible? Wouldn't it be sad?
If just one single color was the color that we had?
If everything was purple? Or red? Or blue? Or green?
If yellow, pink, or orange was all that could be seen?
Can you just imagine how dull the world would be
If just one single color was all we got to see?
Raising a bi-racial child has really opened my eyes more to Martin Luther King Jr Day. I've always appreciated the day and realized the significance of his actions, but for so long MLK Jr day was just a day we didn't have to go to school or a day we got off from work. Then I met my African American future husband and the discussions began. Then marriage came, followed with a child and the conversations began again. In fact, I never imagined having discussions with my two year old. But after a dinner table conversation one night where he went on to say "Daddy black and Mommy orange" I realized it was not too early. And yes, he said I was 'orange' even though I am as pale white as I can be and I had not gone fake'n'bakin. With the responsibility of raising a young African American boy and assuring he is proud of his history and who he is, it was definitely time to make sure I capture the essence of what this day means in an age appropriate way. Thank goodness for the Internet because they provided a plethora of ideas to help me out.
I chose to do the Sizes, Colors and Shapes Art Project. Its pretty simple and perfect for a 2 yr old, but still appropriate for older ages. In addition, the Lil Man is fascinated with scissors and glue so I hit the jackpot on this one. Take a piece of black, white, and any other color of construction paper. Have your child cut out some various shapes with the black and white paper (or you can do it). Then take the piece of construction paper (whatever color you choose) and start gluing the black and white pieces all over. I decided to have the Lil Man paint a piece of Canvas instead of using the construction paper. As you are gluing the pieces down with your child, use the opportunity to discuss the beauty of differences. That no two pieces are alike, just like every person has unique qualities that make them special. It takes all different shapes, sizes, and colors to create beautiful artwork and it takes all different shapes, sizes and colors to create a beautiful world. I finished his artwork off with some Mod Podge so we could cherish it for awhile and remind us of the beautiful world we live in.
Another idea I came across was the Box of Crayons idea that goes along with the below poem by Shane DeRolf. Check out the project here.
While walking in a toy store
the day before today,
I overheard a crayon box
with many things to say.
"I don't like red!" said yellow.
And green said, "Nor do I!"
And no one here likes orange,
but no one knows quite why."
"We are a box of crayons
that really doesn't get along,"
said blue to all the others
"something here is wrong!"
Well, I bought that box of crayons
and took it home with me
and laid out all the crayons
so the crayons could all see.
They watched me as I colored
with red and blue and green
and black and white and orange
and every color in between.
They watched as green
became the grass
and blue became the sky.
The yellow sun was shining bright
on white clouds drifting by.
Colors changing as they touched,
becoming something new.
They watched me as I colored.
They watched till I was through.
And when I'd finally finished,
I began to walk away.
And as I did the crayon box
had something more to say...
"I do like red!" said the yellow
and green said, "So do I!"
"And blue you are terrific
so high up in the sky."
"We are a box of crayons
each of us unique,
but when we get together
the picture is complete."
NOW IF WE COULD JUST LEARN
FROM THIS BOX OF CRAYONS
THIS WORLD WOULD BE A BETTER PLACE
The last idea I came across that I really liked was the I Have A Dream Mobile. Cut out some clouds and have your children or students write a dream they have on it. Then hang it from something to create a mobile. I would recommend using one of those wooden circle cross-stitch frames. Hopefully next year I'll be able to do this one with Lil Man.
I know I am posting these ideas on Martin Luther King Jr Day, but they are so simple you could still do them! Or you could use these project ideas for Black History Month. I hope even if you are not raising a child of color that you will take the time to really appreciate MLK Jr Day. Because without his actions and dreams you may not have your best friend, husband, co-worker, etc.
Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!
