Teachable Moment: Book Review: Martin's Big Words

Martin's Big Words

This is a picture book by Doreen Rappaport and profoundly illustrated by Bryan Collier. The quotations arise from Dr. King's childhood up to his last speech. The thoughts and words insert themselves into all open minds, and really encourage kids to feel empowered.

If kids want to know more about Dr. King's early years, that he loved to play baseball and really missed his grandma when she passed, here are some links:
http://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-king-jr-9365086
http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdking.htm
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/photos/gallery/martin-luther-king-jr

"You are as good as anyone."

Dr. King relied on his knowledge of the Bible, and also leaders such as Ghandi to encourage the non-violent movement. Why was there a need for a civil rights movement? Segregation of the races in the USA. "You are as good as anyone." resonates in kids and adults for all reasons of suggested inferiority.

Here are some links to enhance a kid's self image.:
http://sheilaaronbooks.com/?gclid=CJ35p_DGzq4CFQrCtgodpVt5Cg
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/self_esteem.html

"When I grow up, I'm going to get big words, too.

Infusing confidence in kids is vital "When I grow up, I'm going to get big words, too." Even a little boy or girl can have a vision of a future where they are empowered, valued, and important.

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/child-rearing-and-development/12-ways-help-your-child-build-self-confidence



Dr. King included everyone in his philosophy. When he stated, "Everyone can be great." that included all people of all races, ages, nationalities, genders, and religions. Everyone.

Everyone can be great.

http://wiki.ask.com/African-American_Civil_Rights_Movement_%281955%E2%80%931968%29

Comments from President Obama.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/civil-rights

"Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."

Kids need strength to overcome negativity just like adults do. Moms, dads, families, schools, churches all coordinate to grow strength of character and develop focus for positive emotions in the young.


 http://www.edutopia.org/emotional-intelligence-education


 http://www.edutopia.org/blog/whole-child-education-social-emotional-learning-maurice-elias

http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles /social_emotional_learning_what_it_how_can_we_use_it_help_our_children

"I have a dream..."

 Now we can all have a dream.

There is more to this book.

This is a must-have book for all teachers' library, no matter the age of the students. Read it aloud even to seniors in high school.

 There is a wonderful site called 'Frame-a-Quote' with thousands of quotations listed by topic and author; kids can also create their own quotes and frame them. It is very empowering. Please check it out. I used it with high school sophomores, and it was excellent. We pretty much wall-papered the classroom with their original quotes, their 'big words.'

 http://www.initforlife.com/home/frames.asp

 Looking forward to visiting Washington, D.C., and the new monument with Martin's Big Words on a granite wall. Dr. King used his brilliant mind to help us all. He influenced civil rights, women's rights, special education, gender equality, opportunities for all workers. I recently read a comment about the Occupy Movement (which I think Dr. King would have supported) that racial equality was a settled question and now the question was economic. I'm guessing the writer was sitting in the penthouse of his ivory tower when he posted that. We need all equality all the time. Every human born needs to be educated in equality.  Ongoing. Every new baby.