For the last few weeks, 2nd grade students have studied Martin Luther King, Jr., not only in Social Studies, but during Language Arts, Makerspace, Math, Art, Music, and P.E.  Their Social Studies lessons began by viewing the 1963 March on Washington, as well as listening to King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  Students then made a curriculum connection from the March and Speech.  While in physical education Coach Towning had them marching in precision, while in Art class, Ms. Wyles introduced lessons on effective sign making that included font and color options, as well as letter size and background definition.   

During the re-enactment, all 41 students read a portion of King’s speech and recited their personal dream for all.  They finished the March with Ms. Brown leading them in singing “Oh Freedom” and “We Shall Overcome”.  The 2nd graders then sold their personally made, Makerspace “Civil Rights” buttons for one dollar a piece; with all proceeds ($173.00) going directly towards their year-long service project.  This week, students will close this lesson by writing a personal narrative that conveys their hands-on-learning.

As MLK, Jr. said “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”