Books and Brushes workshop: Celebrating Dr Martin Luther King Jr
On Jan 16th, 2026 Laura Ann Force Elementary School, Aurora, Colorado, came alive with stories, colors, and powerful conversations as we hosted a special Books & Brushes event for 4th grade students, centered around the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of his birthday, this immersive reading experience was designed to instil empathy, peace and purpose—values Dr. King himself stood for from a very young age.
Pop-Up Book Exhibition: Books and Brushes
The event featured pop-up exhibition, displaying a large collection of books focused on Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights, equality, kindness, and courage that students could browse, flip through, and explore. From picture books to age-appropriate biographies, the collection encouraged independent reading, peer discussion, and moments of quiet reflection.
A key part of the Books and Brushes event was an open conversation about why it is so important for children to learn about great leaders like Dr. King—not just as historical figures, but as once-young children who began developing strong values early in life. We talked about how Martin Luther King Jr. was sincere, deeply motivated, and purpose-driven even as a child, much like the students sitting in front of us. His love for learning, his dedication to education, and his ability to think deeply about fairness and justice started at an age not very different from theirs.
Students were fascinated to learn that Dr. King didn’t just give famous speeches—he wrote poems, letters, and reflections, carefully choosing words that came straight from his heart. Every word he spoke or wrote was rooted in love—love for people, love for justice, and love for his purpose. This idea resonated strongly: that real impact comes when passion meets intention. In today’s fast-paced world, helping children understand the value of purpose, sincerity, and empathy feels more important than ever.
We wrapped up the event with a hands-on follow-up activity inspired by Dr. King’s iconic words: “I Have a Dream.” Each student received a creative craft takeaway, where they were encouraged to pause, reflect, and activate their imagination. The children thoughtfully listed five dreams of their own—dreams for themselves, their families, their school, and the world around them. The room filled with quiet focus, thoughtful expressions, and moments of pride as students realized that their ideas mattered.
This workshop reminded students that every great person starts early, that dreams evolve over time, and that even small thoughts can grow into meaningful actions. Just like Dr. King, they too are capable of thinking big, speaking kindly, and leading with purpose.
Experiences like these plant seeds early, nurturing thoughtful readers, compassionate thinkers, and future changemakers—one book, one brushstroke, and one dream at a time.
