This time of year, just over a decade ago I picked John and Taryn up after school and asked them what they had learned. John quickly replied, “we learned all about Martin Luther King Jr.” It was the Friday before Martin Luther Kind Day, so I wasn’t surprised that it had been a topic in their kindergarten class. I asked John, “what did you learn?”
He said, “Martin Luther King Jr. got shot for having bad dreams.”
I’m pretty sure those aren’t the exact words his teacher used. But I’ve always gotten a giggle when I think about that story.
This year, I knew Jackson’s class would also be learning about Mr. King because I helped get the project ready last week. I’ve been waiting patiently to see what Jackson would take from the lesson. This is what he told me.
“Martinluferking’s (all one word) birthday is today, so we have the day off school.”
“Why do we celebrate this day? He was an important person, what did he do?”
“Umm … because he did nice things for the brown people.”
“Like what kinds of things did he do?”
“He made sure they could sit wherever they want.”
“That’s true. Do you know what happened to Martin Luther King Jr.?”
“He got shot because somebody didn’t like him. Probably a white person. I bet he got in jail. But it’s ok, because then Martinluferking became a holiday.”
He’ll get more clear on all that in the next few years. I’m sure of it.
When I die, I hope I become a holiday.
LOL, Jo, what an awesome thought!
I love Jackson. He should have a holiday just for existing.
I think you’re on to something there, Kim. We all need to celebrate Jackson Day.
Love Jackson’s logic
we’ve been having similar civics talks with the girls for years. When Carly aka Goose,, my now 8-year-old, was 6, she came home and told us how we needed to “improve our footprints” – recycle more and use less toilet paper.Man, was that annoying for a while.
Our dinner table conversations are both interesting and scary. You guys should come over and hear about war, gay rights, women’s reproductive issues, and bullying.
Love love this kid! =) I’m all in for a Jackson holiday!
One of the favorite stories about my childhood that my Mom has told me . . .
I was about 3 years old and wandered into my parents’ bedroom and tapped my Mom. I said “I had a dream” . . . My Mom’s response “So did Martin Luther King, honey, and he didn’t get to sleep with me either. Go on back to bed.”
I have no recollection of it. Obviously it scarred me for life. Right?
Funny how in Alaska, it’s “brown” people. In New York, we have “Hispanic Black” and “Black” – so confusing. Why can’t we just all get along?
That’s hilarious. I want all my history lessons to be taught by a 6 year old.