Introducing MLK’s Legacy

Hopewell Valley Student Podcasting Network 

Show Name: Beyond a Bedtime Story

Episode Title: Introducing MLK’s Legacy 

Episode #8

You are listening to Beyond a Bedtime Story the podcast with your host Emily.

In this episode of Beyond a Bedtime Story the Podcast I will discuss ways to introduce Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy to young children.

Segment 1:  Helpful Tips

Hi, Welcome back, I’m your host Emily, and you’re listening to Beyond a Bedtime Story: A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Reading! With this episode you’ll be one step closer to taking your bedtime stories to the next level, so let’s get into it! I found the idea for this episode when 

• MLK day (this year Jan 15) → always 3rd monday in January 

Research sources for how to introduce race, heavy historical topics: https://k12database.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2019/06/TipsControversialIssues.pdf  

Provides advice for educators but it is also applicable to parents 

• “Despite the sensitive nature of these subjects, do not sanitize or simplify the past or present”
• “While it is certainly our responsibility to teach the ‘hard history,’ we must also teach the ways various individuals, groups, organizations, etc. have resisted throughout each and every time period. Help students see that in today’s world, which is still grappling with so many of the same issues, they are our future leaders
• Teaching w/ hope 
• The picture books I selected emphasize this (describes resistance from black Americans, such as the Bus Boycott) 
• Advises teachers to know their students well enough: can they handle the material? Are they represented w/n the material? 
• YOU as a PARENT know your child → have a better sense of what they know of the world already and where they may need guidance, but also ensure that you are willing to challenge your child w/ exposing them to new things 
• Advises teachers to create safe space
• YOU as a PARENT w/n YOUR HOME your child is inherently safe with you and that environment, extra level of comfort may make these difficult discussion easier
• By beginning the conversions at home, your child may be extra prepared for classroom content 
• Validate & support frustrating feelings 
• Encourage your child to be honest about if they feel nervous or upset when...