The new year has begun, and many of you have created a resolution related to your work in education. Maybe you decided to purge ineffective materials from your classroom/office or develop meaningful relationships with educational stakeholders. Maybe you opted to pursue a higher degree, use innovative classroom technology, or incorporate differentiated activities in your instruction.

Whatever you resolve to accomplish, continue to be encouraged and acknowledge this reflection as an integral aspect of your growth and development. A deliberate and structured examination of the behaviors and outcomes we exhibit in our schools helps us clearly identify our successes and struggles and provides a space for positive transformation. As educators, we have a powerful role in shaping the social and economical conditions of the students we encounter which, in turn, impacts our society. When we improve, they improve.

During the month of January, our country celebrates the life Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the contributions he made to promote racial equality. This is sometimes a difficult subject to discuss with young children because of their perceived "innocence" on matters of race. Still, it is important topic to discuss, and it is a part of our curriculum. Below you will find the correlated grade level standards, resources, and a kid-friendly video from Kid President.

SSKH1 The student will identify the purpose of national holidays and describe the people or events celebrated. e. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

SS2H1 The student will read about and describe the lives of historical figures in Georgia history. a. Identify the contributions made by these historic figures ... Martin Luther King, Jr. (civil rights)

http://www.educationworld.com/holidays/archives/mlking.shtml

http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/mlk-day.html