FARMINGTON – Students at W.G. Mallett School spent Friday morning with one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement.
Students attended a presentation that included the reading of “Martin’s Big Words” by teacher and Assistant Principal Keith Martin. The book, authored by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier, relates some of the most significant elements of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life, providing some of his most famous quotes.
When Martin read about Rosa Parks being arrested on the bus in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama, students gasped.
Students also watched video clips and a slideshow.
A minister and activist, King was assassinated in 1968. Since 1983, states have celebrated the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in relation to his birthday. Locally, the Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry holds an annual service that typically focuses on one or more elements of King’s legacy. The observance will be held noon at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church in Farmington.
After reading “Martin’s Big Words,” students made their own stained glass windows with construction paper frames and tissue paper “glass.” Each included a quotation from the book, with students writing their own thoughts beneath each quote.
Under the quote “you are as good as anyone,” one student wrote: “You are as good as anyone means to me that your skin color does not matter, it is who you are. Another student wrote: “I like this quote because it’s showing empathy in action and is going to make people feel good.”
Nice job Mallett School second grade teachers and students.
Great THANKS to Mr. Martin, and all the Mallett teachers and staff!