Celebrate Martin Luther King

We learned all about Martin Luther King today at preschool and watched a youtube video of his famous "I Have a Dream" speech (we only watched the last 6 minutes and we counted how many times he said, "I have a dream.")

We talked about how his hard work and sacrifice changed America to be a better place where people are more kind and accepting of others.  That was his dream and it has come true.  Then all the children decided on a dream they have that will help the world be better and they drew pictures on paper quilt squares.  We put it together with tape and added the yarn bows in each corner. 

It was touching to see what the children came up with and that even at their young age they really understood thinking about ways that they can make a difference.

IDEA: GINGERBREAD MAN RUNS WILD!
Read the story of the Gingerbread man and then create one with your children.  Costco sells a great package with 4 large ones and all the makings to decorate.  Also Peppridge Farms sells a box with several little ones in it or you can use a great recipe to bake some.  After decorating them tell your kids you need to stick them back in the oven to make sure the decorations are cemented on (don't really turn the oven on however).  Set the timer for 10 minutes.

During that time distract your children somehow and either do it yourself (but they will be suspicious) or call a neighbor over to do the job of removing the Gingerbread man from the oven and hiding him outside somewhere like in the mailbox, car or bushes etc.  IMPORTANT: leave the pan in the oven.  When the timer goes off have your kids come to get him out.  He will be gone.  The excitement is fantastic.  Send them on a hunt to find him. 

When they find him ask them how they could be sure he doesn't get out again because he needs to go back in for another 5 minutes or so.  Hopefully they will come up with the idea to tie it shut.  After you have tied it shut set the timer and distract them again and get him out and hide him in a different place.  Have them come to the oven again and this time leave the rope lying in the pan. 

Send them on a hunt for him again and after finding him, hopefully they will want to stand guard.

 After standing guard for a short time you can finally get him out and eat him.

This is one of the most fun Christmas activities and your children will love it!  I did it at preschool this week and have attached some video to go along with the pictures.  (Please forgive that two of them are not the right direction -I am learning.)