A guide for using our resources

Children will define justice and describe how to create a community of love.

Social Studies Focus: civics

SEL Focus: social awareness, relationship skills

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.1.1, RF.1.1.A, W.1.1, W.1.5, L.1.1

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• This poetic picture book shows children how they can carry on Dr. King’s legacy in their own lives. Captivating illustrations depict moments of King’s life alongside a class working on a project to honor him.

• Try a brainstorming session before doing the hands-on activity below. On chart paper, write: In our beloved community, we. . . Then ask kids to complete the sentence. You can start with examples from the issue: are peaceful, take responsibility, show love, and are fair.
• Invite kids to contribute more ideas. Examples might be: are kind, listen to each other, and so on.

Skill: writing, social awareness

Materials: Beloved Poster Sentence Strip skill sheets, oaktag or butcher paper, markers and crayons, paint or construction paper

• Cut a large sheet of butcher paper or oaktag. Create a border of children’s handprints with washable paint, or have children trace their hands on colored construction paper, cut them out, and attach them to the edges.
• Write Our Beloved Community under the top border.
• Next, give each child a copy of the skill sheet. Children can finish either of the sentence stems or write their own sentence on a blank strip. Kids can cut out their strips and paste them on the poster. They can also write their sentence directly onto the poster.
• Have kids decorate the poster. Display the finished poster on your classroom door to welcome people to your beloved community!