martin luther king jr speech activities

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How To Encourage Learners To Write Letters: Everything You Need to Know

Building vocabulary in kids: everything you need to know, implementing differentiated instruction: everything you need to know, ‘nickel boys’ review: ramell ross breaks free of reform-school tropes, but loses the plot in the process, random values in pointers, apple’s new mac mini might be coming with some design compromises, how ‘industry’ put rishi through hell in its ‘most intense’ episode yet, why americans stopped moving, more and more big companies say ai regulation is a business risk, today’s wordle hints, answer and help for sept. 2, #1171, 15 meaningful martin luther king activities for the classroom.

Introduction:

Martin Luther King Jr. was a key figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. His passionate advocacy for equality, justice, and peace continue to inspire people to this day. As educators, it is important to teach our students about his legacy and the significance of his work. Here are 15 meaningful Martin Luther King activities for the classroom that will engage and educate students.

1. “I Have a Dream” Speech Analysis:

Provide students with a transcript or video of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Have them read or listen to the speech and then analyze its significance, key messages, and the impact it had on the Civil Rights Movement.

2. Timeline of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life:

Have students create a timeline highlighting the important events and milestones in Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. This activity helps students understand the context in which he lived and the challenges he faced.

3. Vocabulary Exploration:

Introduce students to vocabulary words associated with the Civil Rights Movement, such as segregation, discrimination, equality, nonviolence, etc. Encourage them to research and write definitions for each term, as well as provide examples of how they relate to Martin Luther King Jr.’s work.

4. “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes”:

Organize a role-playing activity where students step into the shoes of someone who experienced segregation or discrimination during the Civil Rights Movement. This helps foster empathy and understanding.

5. Letter to Martin Luther King Jr.:

Ask students to write a letter to Martin Luther King Jr., expressing their gratitude for his work and sharing their own thoughts on equality and justice. This activity encourages reflection and personal connection.

6. Civil Rights Artifacts:

Bring in artifacts or visuals related to the Civil Rights Movement, such as photographs, newspaper clippings, or objects symbolizing the struggle for equality. Allow students to explore and analyze these artifacts, discussing their significance and impact.

7. Literature Study:

Read books or articles about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement as a class. Engage in discussions about the themes, characters, and historical context of the literature, encouraging critical thinking and analysis.

8. Peaceful Protest:

Organize a peaceful protest within the school premises, where students can express their demands for equality and justice. This activity teaches students about nonviolent resistance and the power of collective action.

9. MLK Jr. Day Celebration:

Plan a special event to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in your school. This could include guest speakers, presentations, performances, or creative projects that commemorate his legacy.

10. Civil Rights Leaders Research:

Assign students different civil rights leaders to research and present. This activity broadens students’ understanding of the movement and highlights the contributions of other key figures.

11. Analyzing Primary Sources:

Provide students with primary sources from the Civil Rights Movement, such as speeches, letters, or photographs. Guide them in analyzing and interpreting these sources, encouraging critical thinking and historical analysis.

12. Community Service Project:

Encourage students to engage in a community service project that aligns with Martin Luther King Jr.’s values of equality and justice. This could involve volunteering at local organizations or organizing initiatives to address social issues.

13. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi:

Draw parallels between Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, exploring their similar philosophies of nonviolence and social change. This comparative analysis helps students understand the global impact of their ideologies.

14. MLK Jr. Art Display:

Invite students to create artwork inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Display their creations in a prominent area of the school, fostering creativity and expression.

15. Reflective Journals:

Allocate time for students to maintain reflective journals throughout the study of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Prompt them with questions that encourage self-reflection and deeper understanding.

Conclusion:

Implementing these 15 meaningful Martin Luther King activities in the classroom will not only educate students about his powerful legacy but also inspire them to advocate for equality, justice, and peace in their own lives. By understanding the significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s work, students can become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.

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• Seasonal Activities
• Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Lesson Plans and Activities

The Martin Luther King, Jr. seasonal pages will provide you with great lessons and resources to commemorate this important man. Ideas within the MLK, Jr. pages include a complete thematic unit with a collection of lesson, activities and online resources.

Your creativity can help other teachers. Submit your Martin Luther King, Jr. activity today. Don't forget to include additional resources-documents, web sites, or a photo.

You will also find cross-over resources on our Black History Month page.

Visit our January Monthly Unit, Lesson Plans & Activities page for more resources.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January, around the time of King's birthday, January 15.

January 15, 2024 January 20, 2025 January 19, 2026

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) was a Baptist minister who became a civil rights activist. He led the 'March on Washington' in 1963 where he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. In 1964 he was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial discrimination and segregation. Prior to his death in 1968, King refocused his attention to opposing the Vietnam War and ending poverty. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Visit our January Bulletin Board page to find displays that will make great lessons.

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Crossword Puzzle Create your own Crossword or use our premade word/clue list.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Journal & Coloring Pages Printable Martin Luther King, Jr. Day journal and coloring pages that you can print (PDF Format)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Search Create your own or use our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day word list.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Scramble Create your own or use our MLK, Jr. word list.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Literature (Amazon.com) A collection of books about this great man.

About Martin Luther King, Jr. The Seattle Times has put together a great collection of information.

Happy Birthday MLK! Grades Various Education World has activities across the grades for learning about the life of the famous civil rights leader.

The King Center Established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, The King Center is the official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of America's greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality and peace.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and African American History Scholastic Research Tools.

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Lesson Plans & Activities

MLK: What They Won't Teach In School Grades Intermediate, Secondary A well put together interesting and entertaining podcast that goes beyond the 'I Have a Dream' speech, diving more into his 'Poor People's Campaign' of MLK and how this is likely what got him killed.

Coloring Pages and Lined Journal Pages Let your students use their imaginations to customize this coloring page of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King's Dream Grades K-2 In this lesson, students will learn about the life and work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Students will listen to a brief biography, view photographs of the March on Washington, hear a portion of King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and discuss what King's words mean to them. Finally, they will create picture books about their own dreams of freedom for Americans today.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. WebQuest Grades Elementary Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. answering a variety of questions.

Evaluating Web Sites for Bias Grades 6-12 Students use a checklist to evaluate Web content about Martin Luther King Jr. for bias.

Mapping Martin Luther King Jr. Grades 3-8 Students explore places that were important in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Clothesline Timeline Grades K-12 Students create a clothesline timeline depicting events in the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Fact or Opinion Activity Grades 3-8 A brief biography of Martin Luther King Jr. reinforces students' understanding of the difference between fact and opinion.

Martin Luther King, Jr. And the Power of Nonviolence Grades 6-8 This lesson introduces students to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s philosophy of nonviolence and the teachings of Mohandas K. Gandhi that influenced King's views. After considering the political impact of this philosophy, students explore its relevance to personal life.

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Me: Identifying with a Hero Grades K-2 Martin Luther King, Jr. is an American hero, a man who dared to dream. How do we help young children connect their own life experiences to those of Dr. King? This lesson explores ways to help students make connections to Dr. King through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities that not only provide a glimpse into Dr. King's life, but empower students to help bring Dr. King's dream into reality. Most important, it encourages them to dream their own dreams.

Thematic Unit Grades Various Here you will find ideas, links to activities, worksheets and lots more.

Unity Handprint Wreath Grades Various This wreath symbolizes cultural unity.  You can adjust the handprint colors for different occasions (for example, you may wish to use handprints in different shades of brown for Black History Month)

Write Your Own "I Have a Dream Speech" Grades K-12 Students use a fill-in-the-blanks work sheet to write speeches that imitate the form and content of Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

EMAIL us your favorite Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activity!

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12+ Martin Luther King Jr. Activities to Teach Kids About MLK in a Meaningful Way

Written by Jeanne Sager

Have you considered which Martin Luther King Jr. activities you’ll do with your class this year? The first federal holiday of the year —  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day — comes quickly after winter break! So, how do you choose the best activities to teach about one of the most important figures of the civil rights movement? What are the best ways to bring Dr. King’s teachings and legacy into your elementary or middle school classroom?

We know there is a lot you can teach about Dr. King, so the teachers on the Teach Starter team have put together some of our best tips to make teaching about MLK more meaningful in 2024. Continue reading for MLK classroom activities, books to read, points to consider and much more.

Why Should Kids Learn About Martin Luther King Jr.?

Teaching about Dr. King may be something you automatically add to your lessons on an annual basis (after all, teaching about MLK is in the state standards in 37 states, according to Education Week), but have you thought about why it’s so important to teach about this American hero?

King strongly believed that education and social justice go hand-in-hand. As teachers, we strive to create classes full of critical thinkers and empathetic students who will grow up to be our future leaders. The fact is, Dr. King symbolizes an umbrella of crucial topics in the classroom and in life, including:

• Non-violent action
• Critical thinking

The above themes can be applied to many lessons throughout the year and create excellent discussions for your Morning Meetings , book reports, reflection worksheets and much more.

King’s teachings and vision for a better world are just the tip of the iceberg regarding lessons regarding the civil rights movement. With that said, January should not be the exclusive month to dive into the civil rights movement or Dr. King’s influence!

What Did Martin Luther King Jr. Do?

As we all know, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was perhaps the nation’s most influential civil rights leader who passionately altered our collective view of race and equality. He tirelessly reminded us that we are all equal regardless of our skin color, beliefs, and backgrounds through peaceful protests, boycotts, marches and unforgettable speeches.

Summing up all that this American hero accomplished in his short life isn’t easy, so here are a few ideas to help you explain what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did with your students.

• For lower elementary teachers — This Dr. King video from Sesame Street can provide your class with an introduction to Dr. King.
• For upper elementary or middle school teachers — Take a peek at this five-minute Dr. King description from Biography.

Here are just a few highlights of Martin Luther King Jr.’s accomplishments before his untimely death in 1968 that you can also share with your students:

• Graduated from Booker T. Washington High School at age 15
• Formed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to fight segregation
• Led a Freedom Walk in 1963 with 125,000 people
• Sent to jail numerous times for peaceful protesting, sit-ins, and boycotts
• Delivered his famous I Have a Dream speech in Washington D.C.
• Received the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1964

How to Teach About Martin Luther King Jr.

If you’re a teacher looking to give your MLK Day lessons a fresh perspective or want to expand on Dr. King and dive deeper into the civil rights movement, how do you get started?

Depending on your students’ age group, consider introducing the Letters From a Birmingham Jail . Want to go a step further with the famous I Have a Dream speech? Explore anaphora in poetry through King’s speeches, or use this PBS video of 5th graders reflecting on his speech at the Lincoln Memorial to spark some conversation among your young learners.

The goal is to make sure your lesson plans include meaningful and engaging activities to remind students that MLK Day is not to be brushed aside simply because it’s a free day off from school. The teacher team at Teach Starter worked hard to ensure you have meaningful activities and lessons for Martin Luther King Day.

Short on time? Jump directly to our MLK Day teacher resource collection, or keep reading for ideas for your classroom. We’ve even broken things down between lower elementary and upper elementary/middle school!

Martin Luther King Jr. Activities for Younger Kids

Are you teaching lower elementary students about Dr. King? Make your MLK lessons more meaningful with some of our teacher team’s favorite thought-provoking activities to supplement your lessons:

Create an I Have a Dream Wall

For a unique bulletin board activity, give each of your students a few sticky notes and have them write a dream they have for your school, your community and the world. Have them stick it to the bulletin board when they’ve finished writing their dreams.

You can even create a shape for all the sticky notes to go into — maybe a peace sign?

Assemble an I Have a Dream Mobile

Similar to the I Have a Dream wall, use our free printable template so your students can create an “I Have a Dream” mobile to hang in the classroom or at home. The prompts on each cloud are “My dream for myself, my school, my community and my world.”

Explore Diversity With Eggs

For this class activity, you’ll need one brown egg, one white egg and a paper dish or bowl. With the entire class circled around you, crack each egg into the bowl, ensuring the students pay attention to the yolk that comes out. Are we truly different from one another? This is a good visual demonstration of how we may look different on the outside but are the same on the inside.

In the words of Dr. King, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Volunteer as a Class

Part of Dr. King’s teachings includes being kind to others and making a difference, even in the smallest of ways. Is there something your class can do to improve the school they learn in? Ask your admin if there are some school maintenance projects your students can get involved in. Is there a wall that could use a new coat of paint? Are there books in the library that could be reorganized? Are there chairs that could be restacked after an assembly? There’s bound to be a child-appropriate volunteer activity your school will welcome!

Explain to your students that MLK Day is not just a federal holiday that’s set aside to celebrate the civil rights hero’s birthday. It’s also designated as a National Day of Service.

Make a Mini Book

Preschool and kindergarten students can then make their own mini book about MLK , tracing his name, coloring his photo and showing their understanding of your lesson by coloring in the images of what Dr. King stood for while also practicing core skills.

Watch MLK Videos for Kids

Have your students learn about Dr. King through the perspective of another child, like Kid President. In under four minutes this cool kid’s video about Martin Luther King shares a brief history of his life and encourages viewers to change things that seem unfair or unequal.

Another video from PBS gives a brief explanation of Dr. King’s work and informs students about the actual holiday of MLK Day and how people use the day to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.

Explore MLK’s Legacy With a Cut and Color

Another MLK Day activity perfect for the pre-school and kindergarten set is a cut and color activity about the civil rights leader. Students complete the outline of Dr. King by drawing what they think he looks like, then cut out items and pasting them to show what he fought for.

MLK Day Activities for Older Students

As Coretta Scott King tells us, honoring MLK Day in the classroom isn’t just a way to introduce younger kids to the civil rights leader and his legacy, it’s also a good way to impress the concept of service on our students and talk about their role in their communities and in making change. Here are some MLK Day activities perfect for upper elementary or middle school classes.

Take a Virtual Field Trip to the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee was built right around the Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. King was assassinated. Today, the museum tells the stories of the fighters of the civil rights movement, including Dr. King. Not in Memphis? The museum offers virtual tours perfect for teachers and their students, and you can take them as a whole class or team up with other teachers for a whole school experience.

Design a Kindness Quilt

There is never a kind act that is too small. Promoting kind thoughts and actions ultimately leads to peace, which is what MLK strived to instill in others. Help your students promote kindness and think of ways they can be kind in their own way with our downloadable Kindness Quilt bulletin board set. Each student will fill out their own square with the prompt “I can be kind by…” and color the shapes.

This can make a great classroom display or get other classes involved to create huge hallway kindness quilt that everyone in the school can admire as they walk by.

(Virtually) Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta

Another virtual field trip worth taking with your class is an adventure to Atlanta’s National Center for Civil and Human Rights , the home of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection. Opened in 2014 in Dr. King’s hometown, the museum features many of his papers and artifacts, including more than 1,000 of his own books — many of which have notes in the margin written by the activist preacher himself!

Complete Acts of Service

Acts of service are a core of MLK education, so why not provide your students with an  Acts of Service challenge sheet filled with items that are kid-friendly but make an impact? The sheet has 36 different service acts plus space for kids to write in the date they completed them. Challenge your students to do as many as they can by the end of January.

You may also want to visit DoSomething.org for students to find inspiration for their own acts of service. Programs on the site are all youth-led, and kids can even earn scholarships for participating!

Visualize Their Dream Future With an Art Activity

Martin Luther King Jr’s I Have a Dream speech is one of his most famous, and it opens the door for kids to think about their own communities and the changes they would like to see. You can start with a writing prompt or allow them to get creative with a drawing. (Get the printable  I See My Dream Future template here).

Martin Luther King Books for Kids

My daddy, dr. martin luther king, jr. by martin luther king iii.

Written by Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King III, this children’s book tells the story of a father’s love for his son. It’s a beautiful reminder that Dr. King was more than just a hero to millions around the world. He was a special man much loved by his own family.

Who Was Martin Luther King Jr.? by Bonnie Bader

Part of the Who Was? series, Who Was Martin Luther King Jr. is a great introductory book to read to your class during morning meeting sessions or before your MLK activities. This book is great for students ages 7-10.

I Am Martin Luther King Jr. by Brad Meltzer

Part of the Ordinary People Change the World series, this biography of Dr. King is appropriate for kids ages 5-7. With a timeline of key events, real photos and facts, this book introduces students to the way MLK felt as a young, unfairly treated African American and his inspiration to make a peaceful change when he grew up.

I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Once you’ve taught your students about Dr. King’s life and peaceful work, read his famous “I Have a Dream” speech with this beautifully illustrated book. It also comes with a CD so you can play the speech for the class!

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

A teacher favorite and Caldecott Honor recipient, Martin’s Big Words uses quotes from MLK’s most famous speeches to detail his upbringing and life’s work in a simple yet effective way for kids to comprehend. The book is filled with collage-style artwork as well, making this a great choice to read aloud and discuss with bolded quotes.

MLK Education — A Final Word

The fact that MLK Day is honored in January makes it a great time to review your own classroom and think about the months ahead. Do you have inclusive books and materials in your classroom , ensuring children of color feel represented all year round, not just on MLK Day? Do you talk about Dr. King’s legacy at other times of the year?

We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so we pulled together some resources that can help you help your kids!

• Read Liz Kleinrock’s Start Here, Start Now — Kleinrock is the teacher behind the popular @teachandtransform Instagram account where she talks about simple shifts teachers can make in the classroom to be more inclusive.
• Zinn Education Project — Built to introduce students to a “more accurate, complex, and engaging understanding of history than is found in traditional textbooks and curricula,” this non-profit offers trainings for teachers plus has a host of free resources to make classes more inclusive.
• Being Black at School — Find out how to create a chapter of Being Black at School in your school and request an equity toolkit.
• Facing History — Looking for PD that will actually recharge you as a teacher and make a difference? Find out how to bring Facing History to your school for PD that’s focused on creating a school community that takes issues of ethics, social responsibility, prejudice, and justice seriously.

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Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids (Google Slides, Videos, and More)

His dream inspired so many.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. might be the most recognizable name in American civil rights history. We celebrate this inspirational leader on the third Monday of January each year, but his life and legacy are valuable lessons all year long. Use these resources about Martin Luther King Jr. for kids to share his experiences and significance in your classroom or at home.

Don’t miss our free downloadable. Grab your full set of ready-to-go Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids Google Slides with all of the information below, including kid-friendly explanations, a timeline, and more.

• Field Trips (In Person and Virtual)
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Biography for Kids

What is dr. martin luther king jr. known for.

Martin Luther King was a civil rights activist and leader in the 1950s and 1960s in the southern United States. He believed in nonviolent, peaceful protest as a means to fight racial injustice. Dr. King was a powerful speaker, delivering many speeches to inspire others to join the movement. He survived several attacks on his life but was assassinated in 1968 at age 39.

Where was Martin Luther King Jr. from?

Named after his father, Michael King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1934, his father changed his own name to Martin Luther King Sr. and renamed his son Martin Luther King Jr. MLK Jr. moved to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1954 and lived there for the rest of his life.

Was Martin Luther King Jr. married?

Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott in 1953. They had four children together: Yolanda, Martin III, Dexter, and Bernice. Coretta Scott King spent her life continuing her husband’s fight for civil rights and preserving his legacy.

How did Martin Luther King Jr. become involved in the Civil Rights Movement?

Martin Luther King’s father was a pastor who regularly stood up to segregation in Atlanta and led a local march for Black voting rights in 1936. King followed in his father’s footsteps and became a pastor. While serving at a church in Alabama, King Jr. became a leader in the Civil Rights Movement through the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and led it through many civil rights protests and other activities in the years that followed.

Why did Martin Luther King Jr. believe in nonviolent protests?

King was well-known for insisting civil rights activists protest peacefully, even when met by violence from those opposed to their movement. During a trip to India in 1959 , Dr. King learned about Mahatma Gandhi’s belief in nonviolent change. Other influences on Dr. King’s beliefs included Henry David Thoreau’s essay on civil disobedience .

Did Rosa Parks know Martin Luther King Jr.?

Rosa Parks met Dr. King after her arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. They worked together during the Montgomery Bus Boycott , which was ultimately successful in desegregating the city’s transportation system.

When did Martin Luther King Jr. give his “I Have a Dream” speech?

King gave his most famous speech during the 1963 March on Washington. More than 250,000 civil rights supporters were in the audience as he spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on August 28. ADVERTISEMENT

How many times was Martin Luther King Jr. arrested?

Dr. King was arrested at least 29 times , often on trumped-up charges. In 1960, a court in Atlanta sentenced him to four months of hard labor. Then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy intervened on his behalf and he was released.

Did Martin Luther King Jr. win the Nobel Peace Prize?

In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.” He accepted the award in the name of the thousands of people in the Civil Rights Movement, whom he called a “mighty army of love.”

When did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. die?

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. was staying at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. As he stood on the balcony outside his room to speak to those gathered below, he was shot and killed . Police arrested James Earl Ray, who was sentenced to a 99-year term in prison for the crime.

When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day held?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, sometimes called MLK Day, is held on the third Monday in January each year in the United States. This falls on or close to his birthday, January 15. The federal holiday was approved by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and first observed in 1986.

Is there a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States?

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is located in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C., at 1964 Independence Avenue S.W. (“1964” refers to the year the Civil Rights Act became law.) It officially opened in 2011 and includes a 30-foot statue and 450-foot-long Inscription Wall.

Martin Luther King Jr. Timeline

Here are some of the most important dates and events in Dr. King’s life. Find a more detailed MLK timeline here.

• January 15, 1929: Michael King, later known as Martin Luther King Jr., is born in Atlanta, Georgia.
• August 6, 1946: The Atlanta Constitution publishes King’s letter stating that black people “are entitled to the basic rights and opportunities of American citizens.”
• February 25, 1948: King is appointed assistant pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.
• June 18, 1953: Martin Luther King Jr. marries Coretta Scott in Alabama.
• September 1, 1954: King begins his pastorship at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.
• December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott led in part by Dr. King.
• January 30, 1956: King’s home is bombed while he speaks at a meeting.
• May 17, 1957: At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., King delivers his first national address, “Give Us the Ballot.”
• September 20, 1958: During a book signing in Harlem, Izola Ware Curry stabs King with a letter opener. He survives the attack.
• April 16, 1963: King releases his famous “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.”
• August 28, 1963: King gives his “I Have a Dream Speech” as part of the March on Washington.
• December 10, 1964: Dr. King receives the Nobel Peace Prize.
• March 21-25, 1965: King and other civil rights activists lead a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
• April 4, 1968: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is shot and killed on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, at age 39.

Martin Luther King Jr. Facts

Martin wasn’t martin luther king jr.’s real name..

Martin Luther King Jr. first experienced segregation at just six years old.

Martin Luther King Jr. was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

MLK was the youngest recipient at the time he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Activist Malala Yousafzai holds that honor today.

Get More Facts: 17 Meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Facts To Share in the Classroom

Dr. martin luther king jr. quotes.

His ability to inspire others with powerful words was one of Dr. King’s greatest attributes. Here are a few of our favorite quotes.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.”

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend.”

“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”

Get More Quotes: 105 Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes for the Classroom

Dr. martin luther king jr. videos for the classroom.

Learn about his life and hear him speak in these videos about Martin Luther King Jr. for kids and teens. (Please preview videos to ensure they’re appropriate for your intended audience.)

Sesame Street: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Introduce the very youngest learners to Dr. King with this tribute from Sesame Street.

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.

Give K-5 students more information with this overview of King’s life.

Martin Luther King Jr. | Biography

This general overview is good for most audiences, giving the basics of Dr. King’s life and influence.

Martin Luther King Jr.: The Fight for Civil Rights Documentary

High school students can get an in-depth look at Martin Luther King Jr.’s struggles for equal rights in this detailed doc.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech

There’s no substitute for hearing the great man himself give his most famous speech.

Martin Luther King Jr. Field Trips (In Person and Virtual)

A variety of sites across the country offer educational experiences related to Dr. King. If you can’t visit in person, you’ll also find video tours and virtual field trips to explore.

• Smithsonian Collection: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Virtual)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (Georgia)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (Washington D.C.)
• The King Center (Atlanta, Georgia)
• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel (Memphis, Tennessee)
• Civil Rights Memorial Center (Montgomery, Alabama)

Martin Luther King Jr. Worksheets, Activities, and Lesson Plans

Find engaging and purposeful ways to teach Martin Luther King Jr. for kids, from pre-K through high school, with these top resources.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Each year, people across the country use the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to give back to their communities. Organize a day of service with your students to join the movement.

Learn more: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at U.S. Department of the Interior

Meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Classroom Activities

Our roundup of Martin Luther King Jr. activities includes coloring pages, classroom lessons, school and community activities, and much more.

Try it: Meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Activities for All Ages

Martin Luther King Jr. Worksheets

These free Martin Luther King Jr. worksheets include four printable pages, including a student handout, reading comprehension questions, a writing activity, and a graphic organizer.

Try it: Martin Luther King Jr. Worksheets at We Are Teachers

Martin Luther King Jr. Lesson Plans

For full lesson plans, check out:

• Learning and Living the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at NEA
• The March on Washington and Its Impact at PBS
• Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech as a Work of Literature at PBS
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech as Visual Text at PBS
• Music and Speeches at the March on Washington at PBS
• MLK Jr.’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail” and the Capitol Hill Attack at PBS
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Racial and Social Justice: A Curriculum for Empowerment at National Park Service
• Dr. King’s Dream at EDSITEment!
• Teaching About Martin Luther King Jr. at Civil Rights Teaching
• Teaching and Learning About Martin Luther King Jr. at The New York Times

Books About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids and Teens

One of the best ways to teach Martin Luther King Jr. for kids is through the many amazing books about him. Take a look at these book lists we compiled:

Inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Books for Kids of All Ages

Classroom Books for Teaching About Martin Luther King Jr.

Get Your Free Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids Google Slides

Just click the button below to fill out the form and get instant access to free downloadable Martin Luther King Jr. Google Slides with all the information included above, including kid-friendly explanations, a timeline, and more.

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30 Meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Activities for All Ages

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8 Printout Activities for Martin Luther King Day

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Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and prominent civil rights activist, was born on January 15, 1929. At birth, his parents named him Michael King, Jr. However, King's father, Michael King Sr. later changed his name to Martin Luther King in honor of the Protestant religious leader. His son,  Martin Luther King, Jr.  followed his father's lead and changed his name as well.

In 1953, King married Coretta Scott and together they had four children. Martin Luther King, Jr. earned a doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University in 1955.

In the late 1950's, King became a leader in the civil rights movement working to end segregation. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous,  "I Have a Dream"  speech to more than 200,000 people at the March on Washington.

Dr. King advocated non-violent protests and shared his belief and hope that all people could be treated as equals regardless of their race. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Tragically, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated four years later on April 4, 1968.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill designating the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring Dr. King. Many people celebrate the holiday by volunteering in their communities as a way of honoring the civil rights leader by giving back. 

If you want to honor Dr. King on this holiday, try ideas such as:

• serve in your community
• read a biography about Dr. King
• choose one of his speeches or a quote and write about what it means to you
• create a timeline of the important events in his life

If you are a teacher who wants to share Martin Luther King, Jr's legacy with your young students, the following printouts can be helpful.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Vocabulary

Print the pdf: Martin Luther King, Jr. Vocabulary Sheet

Use this activity to introduce students to Martin Luther King, Jr. Students will use a dictionary or the Internet to define words related to Dr. King. They will write each word on the line next to its correct definition.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Wordsearch

Print the pdf: Martin Luther King, Jr. Word Search

Students can use this activity to review the terms associated with Martin Luther King, Jr. Each word from the word bank can be found among the jumbled letters in the word search.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Crossword Puzzle

Print the pdf: Martin Luther King, Jr. Crossword Puzzle

Students can review the terms related to Martin Luther King, Jr. as they complete this fun crossword puzzle. They will use the clues provided to fill in the puzzle with the correct terms from the word bank.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Challenge

Print the pdf: Martin Luther King, Jr. Challenge

Challenge your students to see how many of the facts they've learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. they remember. For each clue, students will circle the correct word from the multiple choice options.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Alphabet Activity

Print the pdf: Martin Luther King, Jr. Alphabet Activity

Use this activity to help your children practice alphabetizing words. Each word is associated with Martin Luther King, Jr., providing another review opportunity as students place each term in correct alphabetical order.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Draw and Write

Print the pdf: Martin Luther King, Jr. Draw and Write Page

Use this Draw and Write printable to provide an opportunity for students to practice their handwriting, composition, and drawing skills. First, they will draw a picture relating to something they've learned about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Then, on the blank lines, they can write about their drawing. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Coloring Page

Print the pdf: Coloring Page

Print this page for your students to color while you brainstorm ways to honor Dr. King on the 3rd Monday of January. You can also use it as a quiet activity for students to complete as you read aloud a biography of the civil rights leader.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech Coloring Page

Print the pdf: coloring Page

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an eloquent, persuasive speaker whose words advocated non-violence and unity. Color this page after you read some of his speeches or while listening to a recording of them.

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Lesson Plan

Jan. 15, 2024, 9:20 a.m.

Lesson plan: Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech as a work of literature

For a google doc version of this lesson, click here .

Introduction

Students will study Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and discuss the rhetorical influences on King's speech, the oratorical devices that King used in delivering his speech and how a speech is similar to/different from other literary forms.

English, Social Studies, Government

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period, plus extended activities

Grade Level

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most memorable speech from his life as an activist, “ I HAVE A DREAM , ” was delivered on August 28, 1963, before more than 200,000 people in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The speech was part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It not only helped to galvanize the already growing civil rights movement across the country at the time, but also became one of the most influential and inspirational pieces of rhetoric in American history.

Remarkably, midway through his delivery, King suspended his pre-scripted text and began to improvise; what resulted was the speech’s most recognizable section, the passage in which the words “I have a dream” are passionately repeated. Indeed, King’s background as a Baptist preacher in the South instilled in him a talent for improvisation as a speaker and the skill to frame the urgency of the moment.

What is also apparent in “I Have Dream” is King’s deep commitment to scholarship (he earned a Ph.D. from Boston University). King was clearly well-versed in both American history and religious scripture, and he seamlessly weaves references to both into the fabric of his oration. Overall, “I Have a Dream” can be held up as a masterful creative work in itself; its dramatic structure coupled with its image-laden content render a remarkably moving piece of American literature that still strongly resonates today.

• Begin by supplying foundation material for the students through the NewsHour Classroom article and the NewsHour's Martin Luther King, Jr. section, the background explanation above and the links provided.
• Distribute the COMPLETE TEXT OF "I Have a Dream."
• Review the LITERARY TERMS HANDOUT with the students.
• What examples of figurative language can be found in the text? (For example, "seared in the flames of withering injustice"; "manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination"; "whirlwinds of revolt"; "oasis of freedom and justice"; "symphony of brotherhood."
• How do these uses enhance the overall impact of the speech? What oratorical devices does King use to add vitality and force to his speech? (For example, use of refrains such as "I have a dream," "let freedom ring" and "we can never be satisfied"; multiple shifts in sentence lengths; dramatic shifts in tone, such as from enraged to cautionary to hopeful; use of questions as well as exclamations, such as "when will you be satisfied?" and "I have a dream today!")
• In what specific ways does King call forth his experience as a preacher to lend persuasive power to the speech? (For example, he uses several images that call to mind both the plight of black Americans as well as the Old Testament Hebrews under the oppression of slavery — "the manacles of segregation" and the "chains of discrimination"; the final line of the speech invokes "the old Negro spiritual" and is steeped in Biblical influence — "Free at last, free at last; thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
• Discuss the responses as a class.

Extension Activity

• How are the speeches alike and/or different in their choices of language? In other words, do the speeches seem as if they were composed for the general public or rather for specific groups?
• Of the three, which do you see as being the most direct? That is, which speech uses the least amount of figurative language and/or obscure references?
• Which of the three is the most metaphorical in its content? In other words, which makes the most use of figurative language?
• For each speech, explain how relevant its ideas would be in society if the speech were delivered today. Do the mentioned struggles still exist? Has the country evolved since the speeches were given? Has society responded to the specific appeals for change?
• Passionate?
• Intellectual?
• Persuasive?
• 5-10 minutes in length
• Clearly defined opening, body and conclusion
• Clearly defined thesis (main point)
• Use of supporting examples to support thesis
• Use of figurative language
• Use of oratorical devices such as refrain and hyperbole
• Clearly expressed goals (legal reform; public awareness; etc.)

Written by Doug DuBrin, French International School, Bethesda, Maryland, in 2010.

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History Resources

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech

By tim bailey, unit overview.

This unit is part of the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s Teaching Literacy through History resources, designed to align to the Common Core State Standards. These units were developed to enable students to understand, summarize, and analyze original texts of historical significance. Through a step-by-step process, students will acquire the skills to analyze and assess primary source material.

Over the course of five lessons, students will read, analyze, and gain a clear understanding of "I Have a Dream," a speech delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr., at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. The first four lessons require students to read excerpts from the speech "like a detective." Through summary organizers, practice, and discussion, they will master the technique of identifying key words, creating summaries of document sections and, as an assessment in the final lesson, writing an argumentative essay.

Unit Objectives

Students will be able to

• Read and demonstrate understanding of a complex document
• Identify the main ideas and synthesize and draw logical inferences from the document
• Summarize the author’s words and restate the author’s meaning in their own words
• Write an argumentative essay using evidence from the document to support their ideas

Number of Class Periods

The unit is structured for 5 class sessions, but Lessons 1 and 2 can be combined and Lessons 3 and 4 can be combined. In addition, the essay could be assigned as a take-home exercise.

Grade Level(s)

Common core state standards.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social studies.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.5: Analyze how a text uses structure to emphasize key points or advance an explanation or analysis.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Historical Background

On August 28, 1963, approximately a quarter million people converged on Washington, DC. They came from all over the United States to demand civil and economic rights for African Americans. Many traveled for days—and at great personal risk—to participate. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was one of the largest political rallies in history. There were fears of violence, but the huge crowd remained peaceful as they marched from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial.

The last speech of the day was given by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. King drew on history—including the Declaration of Independence’s promise of equality and Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—to highlight how far African Americans were from reaching the American ideal. He urged his audience to demand equal opportunities and access to jobs and facilities and housing and voting. But what transformed the speech into one of the most memorable in American history for the millions of Americans watching and listening in Washington, on radio and on television, was the recurring phrase "I have a dream," repeated eight times with increasing urgency—a dream of what could happen in the nation as well as a more intimate dream of what his own children could achieve when freedom rang everywhere in the United States.

Students will read the first section of the "I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1963. In a step-by-step process they will identify key words employed by King and then summarize the text to demonstrate that they understand what King was saying.

• Understand what was explicitly stated in the speech
• Draw logical inferences
• Summarize a portion of the speech using the author’s words and then their own words
• Teacher Resource:  "I Have a Dream" Speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (excerpts) . Source: Reprinted by arrangement with The Heirs to the Estate of Martin Luther King Jr., c/o Writers House as the proprietor New York, NY. Copyright: © 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. © renewed 1991 Coretta Scott King.
• Summary Organizer #1
• Overhead projector, Elmo projector, or similar device

Note: The first lesson is done as a whole-class exercise.

• Tell the students that they will be exploring what Martin Luther King, Jr., said in the "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Resist the temptation to provide more information as you want the students to develop ideas based solely on King’s words.
• Read aloud the excerpts from the "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., and ask the students to read it silently to themselves. It is important for the students to experience a text as the writer meant it to be experienced—in this case as a speech before a large crowd.
• Tell the students that they will be analyzing the first selection from the document today and learning how to do in-depth analysis for themselves. The whole class will be going through this process together for the first section of the document.
• Pass out Summary Organizer #1, which includes the first section of the speech. Display the organizer in a format large enough for the whole class to see. Make certain students understand that the original text has been edited for this lesson. Explain the purpose and use of ellipses.
• "Share read" the text with the students. This is done by having the students follow along silently while you begin to read aloud, modeling prosody, inflection, and punctuation. Then ask the class to join in with the reading after a few sentences while you continue to read aloud, still serving as the model for the class. This technique will support struggling readers as well as English language learners (ELL).
• Explain that the objective is to select "Key Words" from the first section and then use those words to create a brief summary of the text that gets at the gist of what Dr. King was saying.
• Guidelines for Selecting Key Words: Key Words are very important contributors to understanding the text. They are usually nouns or verbs. Don’t pick "connector" words ( are , is , the , and , so , etc.). The number of Key Words depends on the length of the original selection. This selection is 249 words long so you can pick up to ten Key Words. The students must know what their Key Words mean, so there will be opportunities to teach students how to use context clues, word analysis, and dictionary skills to discover word meanings.
• Ask the students to select up to ten words from the text that they believe are Key Words and write them down on their organizers.
• Survey the class to find out what the most popular choices were. After some discussion and with your guidance, the class should decide on ten Key Words. For example, let’s say that the class decides on the following words: freedom , Emancipation Proclamation (two words that together make up a single idea can be selected if it makes sense in context), hope , Negro , segregation , discrimination , shameful , Declaration of Independence , promise , and unalienable rights . Now, no matter which words the students had previously selected, have them write the words agreed upon by the class or chosen by you into the Key Word list.
• Explain that the class will use these Key Words to write a brief summary (one or two sentences) that demonstrates an understanding of what King was saying. This exercise should be a whole-class discussion-and-negotiation process. For example, "The Emancipation Proclamation brought hope, but segregation and discrimination are still part of Negro life. That is shameful because the Declaration of Independence promised all people unalienable rights." You might find that the class doesn’t need some of the Key Words, which will make the summary even more streamlined. This is part of the negotiation process. The final sentence(s) should be copied into the organizer.
• Now guide the students in putting the summary sentence(s) into their own words. Again, this is a class negotiation process. For example "African Americans were promised the same rights as everyone else, but that hasn’t happened yet."
• Wrap up: Discuss vocabulary that the students found confusing or difficult. You could have students use the back of their organizer or a separate vocabulary form to make a note of these words and their meaning.

Students will read the second section of the "I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1963. In a step-by-step process they will identify key words employed by King and then summarize the text to demonstrate that they understand what King was saying.

• Summary Organizer #2

Note: For this lesson, the students will be working with partners and in small groups.

• Review what the class did in the previous lesson and what they decided was the gist of the first selection from King’s speech.
• Distribute Summary Organizer #2 and display a copy in a format large enough for the whole class to see. Tell the students that they will work on the second section of the document with partners and in small groups.
• Share read the second selection with the students as described in Lesson 1.
• Review the process of selecting Key Words, writing a summary of the text using those words, and then restating the summary in their own words to show their understanding of King’s words.
• Pair the students up and have them work together to select the best Key Words. This passage is 258 words, so they can choose up to ten words.
• Now put two pairs of students together. These four students will negotiate with each other to come up with their final ten Key Words. Be strategic in how you make your groups in order to ensure the most participation by all group members.
• Once the groups have selected their Key Words, each group will use those words to create a brief summary (one or two sentences) of what Martin Luther King was saying. During this process, try to make sure that everyone is contributing. It is very easy for one student to take control and for the other students to let them do so. All of the students should write their group’s negotiated sentence into their organizers.
• Ask groups to share out the summary sentences that they have created. This should start a teacher-led discussion that points out the qualities of the various responses. How successful were the groups at getting at King’s main idea, and were they careful to use the Key Words in doing so?
• Now direct the groups to restate their summary sentences in their own words. Again, this is a group negotiation process. After they have decided on a summary, it should be written into their organizers. Again, have the groups share out their responses and discuss the clarity and quality of the responses.
• Wrap up: Discuss vocabulary that the students found confusing or difficult. If you choose you could have students use the back of their organizer or separate vocabulary form to make a note of these words and their meaning.

Students will read the third section of the "I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1963. In a step-by-step process they will identify key words employed by King and then summarize the text to demonstrate that they understand what King was saying.

• Summary Organizer #3

Note: For this lesson students will work individually unless you decide they still need the support of a group.

• Review what the class did in the previous two lessons and what they decided was the gist of the first two selections.
• Distribute Summary Organizer #3 with the third selection from King’s speech. You may decide to share read the third selection with the students as in prior lessons or have them read it silently to themselves.
• Review the process of selecting Key Words, writing a summary using the key words, and then restating the summary in the students’ own words to demonstrate their understanding of King’s words. This text is 237 words, so the students can pick up to ten words.
• After the students have worked through the three steps, have them share out their summaries in their own words and guide a class discussion of the meaning of the text.
• Wrap up: Discuss vocabulary that the students found confusing or difficult. If you choose you could have students use the back of their organizer or a separate vocabulary form to make a note of these words and their meaning.

Students will read the fourth section of the "I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1963. In a step-by-step process they will identify key words employed by King and then summarize the text to demonstrate that they understand what King was saying.

• Summary Organizer #4

Note: Students will continue to work independently in this lesson.

• Review what the class did in the previous lessons and what they decided was the gist of the first three selections.
• Distribute Summary Organizer #4 with the fourth selection from King’s speech. You may decide to share read the text with the students as in prior lessons or have them read it silently to themselves.
• Review the process of selecting Key Words, writing a summary using the key words, and then restating the summary in the students’ own words to demonstrate their understanding of King’s words. There are 224 words in this selection, so the students can select eight or nine key words.
• After the students have worked through the three steps, have them share out their summaries in their own words and guide a class discussion of the meaning of King’s words.

The class will first review the meaning of each section of Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech. Second, the students will look closely at how Dr. King constructed his speech, particularly his choice of words. Finally, they will write about Dr. King’s speech in a short argumentative essay in which they support their statements with evidence taken directly from Martin Luther King’s own words.

• Synthesize the work of the prior four days
• Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of the primary source
• Analyze the writing craft (speech construction, rhetorical style)
• Explain and defend whether they believe the craft and style makes the speech more effective
• Write an argumentative essay based on evidence in the text 
• Summary Organizers #1–4 from previous lessons
• The students should have the four Summary Organizers they completed in the previous lessons.
• Review the work from the previous lessons by asking the students to provide a summary in their own words of each of the four text selections. This is done as a class discussion. Write these short negotiated sentences on the overhead or similar device so the whole class can see them. These summaries should reinforce the students’ understanding of the meaning of King’s speech.
• Discuss with the students Dr. King’s rhetorical style as well as how the construction of the speech affects its meaning. How does repeating certain phrases strengthen his point or focus his arguments? How does the construction help guide the audience?
• If the students do not have experience writing an argumentative essay, proceed with a short lesson on essay writing. Otherwise, have them write a short essay in response to one of the prompts in class or as an out-of-class assignment. Remind the students that they must back up any arguments they make with evidence taken directly from the text of King’s "I Have a Dream" speech. The first prompt is designed to be the easiest.
• What is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream, and according to Dr. King how could it become a reality?
• In his speech Dr. King says that "we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check." What does he mean by this and what, as he sees it, will be the result of this action?
• In his speech, how does Dr. King respond to the question, "When will you be satisfied?" Explain both the reason for this question put to civil rights activists and Dr. King’s response.

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Reading Worksheets, Spelling, Grammar, Comprehension, Lesson Plans

Civil Rights and Martin Luther King Jr. Worksheets

Print these civil rights and Martin Luther King Jr. worksheets to study and celebrate Martin Luther King Day, which is always observed on the third Monday of January. The worksheets below include a Martin Luther King Jr. biography questions, Rosa Parks biography questions, word searches, a personal narrative worksheet based on the famous “I have a Dream” speech, a glossary of non-violence, and more. All worksheets are free to print for classroom or home use.

Five Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities and Templates for the Classroom

Controversial, spiritual, and engaging, Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK, Jr.) continues to influence our lives and the world. How can you capture the scope of his legacy in a day or even a few short activities? Let’s take a look at five ed tech-friendly activities that are approachable and provide insights into King’s legacy. There are templates for each that you can adapt and improve to meet your needs. No permission required! And I’ll share a roundup of other TCEA blog articles so you can explore even more activities to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

1) Dicebreakers Activity

Need a quick way to cultivate curiosity in your students? Dicebreakers offer one possibility. This dicebreaker makes it easy to get started exploring MLK, Jr.’s roots.

Get a copy of the Google Slides template for Dicebreaker – This dicebreaker activity has been updated with fresh content not reflected in image shown above.

2) Internet Treasure Hunt

Creating internet treasure hunts is so easy now! And Google even takes the pain out of finding “in the text” answers to questions. Treasure hunts make searching a specific set of resources the focus. That’s the difference between a treasure hunt and a scavenger hunt, which can have a pretty broad scope.

Treasure hunts go beyond fact-finding scavenger hunts to focus on developing student critical thinking.

“Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” Source: Martin Luther King, Jr.

In this MLK, Jr. Internet Treasure Hunt , we’ll take a look at questions that exercise our thinking. Responding to these questions requires some background or foundational knowledge about MLK, Jr.

In Part 1, your students will use a jigsaw activity to build their background knowledge. You can read about this cooperative learning strategy in the introduction to the treasure hunt linked above.

In Part 2, students will develop their responses to questions in the treasure hunt. You will access educator curated resources arranged in Wakelet collections .

3) Digital Choice Board

“There is not one right trajectory of progress for all students,” says John Hattie. That’s why choice boards are great. They allow for multiple trajectories towards success. What’s more, they make thinking visible and student assessment easier.

“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Set up correctly, choice boards can offer students differentiated avenues towards success. What are some of those avenues toward success? We can include color-coding and giving students choice over learning tasks. What’s more, activities can include drawing or note-taking about their learning. These are some reasons why this activity ranks as my favorite.

Get a copy of the Google Slides choice board template

Check out this MLK, Jr. Digital Choice Board above. How would you improve it? Read more about digital choice boards .

Did You Know? You can do a virtual tour of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s church, Ebenezer Baptist Church . Be sure to explore the link to see the virtual tour via @HistoryViewVr .

4) Word Cloud Analysis

Want students to analyze Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech? Drop it into a word cloud, but make it in the shape of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Students can both see how the words take shape and analyze their impact. They can choose to add emphasis to certain words in the text and then explain why they decided to emphasize them. Additionally, students can include this shape poem of MLK, Jr.’s bust in a podcast, short video clip, or classroom exhibit.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Need some suggestions for word cloud creation? Consider using WordArt.com .

5) Vimboard

If you’re looking for a quick entry or exit ticket activity about Martin Luther King, Jr., you can use a tool like Vimboard . It will allow you to take a game-based approach and engage students in an activity that reveals MLK, Jr.

“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Explore this Vimboard that focuses on “in the text” type questions. Intended for grades K-2, you can step up the level of the questions to match your students’ age or grade.

View Amy Smith’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Vimboard

Wait, There’s More!

Wish there were more activities and resources? You will want to read some of these TCEA blog articles:

• Digital Resources for MLK Day
• Teaching and Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• MLK JR Digital Breakout
• The Martin Luther King, Jr. FlipHunt

It’s never too late to learn more about a great American visionary. And certainly never too late to emulate one.

Miguel Guhlin

Transforming teaching, learning and leadership through the strategic application of technology has been Miguel Guhlin’s motto. Learn more about his work online at blog.tcea.org , mguhlin.org , and mglead.org /mglead2.org. Catch him on Mastodon @[email protected] Areas of interest flow from his experiences as a district technology administrator, regional education specialist, and classroom educator in bilingual/ESL situations. Learn more about his credentials online at mguhlin.net.

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, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the . This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. , they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream." today! wn in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. today! of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:   in the above transcript. (rendered precisely in The American Standard Version of the Holy Bible) : : Linked directly to: archive.org/details/MLKDream : Wikimedia.org :.jfklibrary.org : Colorized Screenshot : : 7/17/24 :  or 404-526-8968.   here). Image #2 = Public domain. Image #3 = Fair Use.

Best Free Martin Luther King Jr. Lessons and Activities

These free lessons and activities provide a wide range of approaches to teaching about Martin Luther King Jr.

Recent updates

Updated January 5, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorates the birth of one of the greatest civil rights warriors of the 20th century. Although King was an American who focused on segregation and inequality in the U.S., his impact was global. Decades after his death, King’s nonviolent struggle for equality and justice remains highly relevant to today’s students and teachers. The free lessons and activities below provide a wide range of approaches to teaching about King, from a simple word search for younger learners to thought-provoking, in-depth lesson plans for middle and high school students. 

Best Free Martin Luther King Jr. Lessons and Activities 

Fascinating facts about Martin Luther King Jr. It’s hard to believe that there could still be little-known facts about this widely known civil rights icon. Yet there are! From his early and unusual name change to his history of imprisonment to his Grammy awards, these revelations will provide more ways to understand the life of Martin Luther King Jr. 

National Education Association Learning and Living the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. A modest but high-quality collection of lessons and activities for K-5 students to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Coloring Pages Perfect for younger learners, these ten printable coloring pages feature quotes from MLK in doodle-style font. Three other printables provide space for kids to write about MLK and their own dreams.  

105 Martin Luther King Jr. Quotes for the Classroom Within these 105 quotes—most of which are just a couple of sentences long—lies a goldmine of material to serve as a starting point for students to explore King’s legacy. Have students choose the quote that speaks to them most strongly, then have them research the context and answer questions about the meaning and message.   

Americorps Martin Luther King Jr. National Day Of Service Unique among holidays, Martin Luther King Jr. Day focuses on service to the community. Explore a diversity of free project ideas and ways to engage students in community service, from helping the homeless and refugees to community cleanups. A great source for hands-on projects. 

Martin Luther King Jr. and the Power of Words When we talk about nonviolent resistance, we have to talk about the power of words. Designed to be completed in a single class period, this lesson plan from the Center for Civic Education includes detailed guidelines as well as teacher resources. Grades 7-12. 

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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute: Nobel Peace Prize The remarkable story behind King’s naming as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1964 includes the reactions of the day, both positive and negative, and how King distributed the prize money. 

Teaching and Learning About Martin Luther King Jr. With The New York Times A wealth of teaching and learning resources that includes lesson plans, songs, photos, videos, a civil rights quiz, and connections to current events. All NYT Learning Network resources are available to use for free without an account.  

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X A downloadable, standards-aligned three-lesson unit covering the very different civil rights approaches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Included are all required texts, a compare-and-contrast exercise plus questions for document analysis and critical thinking. Grades 6-12.  

The Fight for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Given the long struggle for civil rights for African Americans, it’s not surprising that the idea of a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King generated plenty of resistance. History.com relates the decades-long fight to commemorate MLK.

The Life of Martin Luther King Jr. King’s biography is accompanied by photos, texts, audio excerpts, and a timeline of key events. 

Dr. King's Dream Lesson Plan In this standards-aligned lesson, students learn about King through a brief biography, videos, and photos, then answer questions and complete activities.

Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and the Power of Nonviolence King was strongly influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy of civil disobedience via nonviolent resistance. This standards-aligned lesson provides digital readings, videos, and five suggested activities for learners. 

Securing the Right to Vote: The Selma-to-Montgomery Story There is no greater asset of freedom than the right to vote. This in-depth lesson plan on the struggle for de jure and de facto voting rights includes: background; motivations; document, map and photo analyses; extension activities; and more. Note the link to "Liars Don't Qualify" by Junius Edwards .

Nonviolent Direct Action at Southern Lunch Counters Nonviolent civil disobedience isn’t as simple as it sounds. It requires training, diligence, courage, and most of all, a commitment to nonviolence in the pursuit of justice and equality. Using online newspaper articles of the day, photos, and printable worksheets, this complete lesson plan will teach students about the theory and practice of nonviolent direct action. 

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President The effervescent Kid President tells the story of MLK in a highly engaging and relatable manner. Perfect for younger learners. 

Read Write Think Martin Luther King Jr. Activities and Lessons Searchable by grade, learning objective, and topics, these classroom/elearning activities include lesson plans, student interactives, and related digital resources. 

Competing Voices of the Civil Rights Movement The question of how best to achieve equal rights was, at times, a contentious one. This fine civil rights curriculum explores different views of key black leaders during the 1960s and includes guiding questions and lesson plans. Grades 9-12

12 Classic Songs Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. You probably know some of the famous songs on this list, such as U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and Marvin Gaye’s “Abraham, Martin and John.” But other well-known musicians, from Stevie Wonder to Elvis Presley, have also recorded tributes to MLK. These powerful and emotional tunes speak to the impact of King’s legacy on popular culture, as well as the broader society. 

Letter from a Birmingham Jail An audio recording of Dr. King reading his influential “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Students can listen to this civil rights classic, learn about the issue of the day, and note his skillful use of persuasive rhetoric. Challenge: Ask your students to determine which of Dr. King’s concerns are still a problem today, 59 years later.

Resources for Virtual Projects An extensive, step-by-step guide for teachers to plan and implement creative virtual volunteer projects for students and others who wish to participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. 

Birmingham 1963: Primary Documents Using six historical documents, students will investigate the civil rights protests and violent police response in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama. 

Martin Luther King Jr., and Memphis Sanitation Workers What happened during the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ strike, and what was King’s role in his final campaign? How did King view economic issues compared to traditional civil rights causes? These and other questions are thoroughly investigated in this primary-source-focused lesson from the National Archives.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Articulation Worksheets | Speech Therapy Activities

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Searching for an activity to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day with your speech groups?

These no prep MLK themed articulation worksheets are exactly what you need for a quick and simple way to target articulation goals .

Students will practice target speech sounds as they color the picture. This resource contains 21 sounds in all position of words: CV, CVC, B, D, F, G, J, K L, L Blends, P, R, R Blends, Vocalic R, S, S Blends, V, Z, SH, CH, & TH.

Display these worksheets on a wall, bulletin or door when finished. All sounds include initial, medial and final position of words . Practice words are listed as well.

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Read Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech in its entirety

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech on Aug. 28, 1963, as part of the March on Washington. AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. addresses the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech on Aug. 28, 1963, as part of the March on Washington.

Monday marks Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Below is a transcript of his celebrated "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. NPR's Talk of the Nation aired the speech in 2010 — listen to that broadcast at the audio link above.

Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders gather before a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963, in Washington. National Archives/Hulton Archive via Getty Images hide caption

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check.

Code Switch

The power of martin luther king jr.'s anger.

When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men — yes, Black men as well as white men — would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds.

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.

Martin Luther King is not your mascot

We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism.

Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

Civil rights protesters march from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963. Kurt Severin/Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images hide caption

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. 1963 is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual.

There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

Throughline

Bayard rustin: the man behind the march on washington (2021).

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny.

And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, when will you be satisfied? We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities.

We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: for whites only.

We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote.

No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

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I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our Northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

People clap and sing along to a freedom song between speeches at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Express Newspapers via Getty Images hide caption

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day down in Alabama with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, one day right down in Alabama little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

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This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that, let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last.

Correction Jan. 15, 2024

A previous version of this transcript included the line, "We have also come to his hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now." The correct wording is "We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now."

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Holiday Activity Ideas for Kids

12 martin luther king day activities for kids.

Use these Martin Luther King activities and resources to teach students about the civil rights movement and build out your lesson plans.

Dr. Martin Luther King played an important role in the history of our great nation. His life can teach us so much. How to stand up for what we believe to be right. How to dream of a better world and bring it into existence.

Martin Luther King Jr Day KIDS ART and CRAFTS

Below you will find 5 arts and crafts ideas. These are great for the classroom and will teach students about the life of Dr. King.

1. We Have a Dream Poster 

First, talk to children about Martin Luther King’s dream speech and the fact that one man managed to help change a whole country. Ask children what they think is unfair, and what they think they can do to change it. If they could change big things in the world, what would they be?

Next, have children trace the outline of their hands on a variety of construction paper in different rainbow colors. Have them cut out each hand shape and then glue them onto the poster board.

Now brainstorm things that the children believe need a change in the world and ways that they and your program can help. Few individuals will get the chance to speak before thousands of people at the Lincoln Memorial like Martin Luther King, Jr., but there are things your program can do to make a difference!

Perhaps it’s collecting cans for a local food bank to help the hungry, or running a car wash to raise money for the homeless.

Maybe it’s bringing entertainment to cancer patients at a local hospital or sending care packages to soldiers abroad.

On each hand, write one thing that each child dreams of changing, such as hunger or homelessness. Next, write a few sentences about what they can do to help.

Not only will this project get children thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr., but it will encourage them to explore what they can do to make the world a better place. It’s never too young to start making a difference.

2. Bead Pin Craft

Children will enjoy creating this craft which demonstrates that people of all colors are part of one family. Even more fun than making your pin is wearing it on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

✓ Three 5/8-inch wooden beads in three different finishes ✓ Black, brown and yellow yarn ✓ Six small wiggle eyes ✓ Three tiny pom-poms, two black and one white ✓ Toothpick ✓ Red permanent marker ✓ Pin-back ✓ White craft glue ✓ Scissors

Instructions

• Cut six one-inch pieces of yarn from each of the three colors of yarn.
• Use one end of the toothpick to rub glue inside the hole in each of the three beads.
• Use the other end of the toothpick to push the ends of one of the colors of yarn into the hole of each bead for hair.
• Glue two wiggle eyes to the side of each bead, below the yarn hair.
• Glue a pom-pom to the side of each bead below the eyes for the nose.
• Use the red marker to draw a mouth on each bead below the nose.
• Glue the three beads together.
• Glue the pin-back to the back of the beads.

If you do this project on a Styrofoam plate or tray you will not have trouble with glue or paint sticking to the surface as it dries. If you are helping a younger child make this pin you might want to use slightly larger beads to make it easier to work on.

3. I Have a Dream Scroll

Write on a chart, some of the “dreams” that Martin Luther King expressed in his speech.

Let’s celebrate Martin Luther King by asking students to think about the things they dream for themselves, their families, their country, and the world, and to express those dreams in their own “I have a dream” scroll, essays, journals, or artwork. See  How Stuff Works . An example of what an elementary student’s dream scroll could look like:

4. I have a Dream Quilt 

✓ Paper and Construction paper ✓ Pencils and markers, and crayons ✓ Yarn

• Martin Luther had a dream. What are the children’s dreams? Explore this by having them draw a picture of themselves representing what they want to be/do as adults!
• Put the individual squares together and tie them with yarn.
• Put a plain colored border around the quilt and as a fill-in where needed.
• Put a title above the Quilt: “I Have a Dream” or “When I Grow Up.” The title will depend on the age of the group.

5. I Have a Dream Mobile

✓ Cardstock or construction paper ✓ Paper punch ✓ Crayons or markers ✓ Yarn ✓ Stickers, glitter or other decorations for your mobile

• Cut a large cloud shape out of a piece of card stock. If you are using construction paper cut two of the same shape and size and glue them together so they are strong enough to hold your mobile. Your cloud needs to be long enough to hand three or four smaller clouds from it.
• Cut out three or four smaller cloud shapes. These can be different colors and even different shapes. You don’t have to use clouds – they can be circles, squares, hands or whatever you like.
• On the large cloud write the words “I have a dream” on both sides. Decorate however you like. You can use stickers, glitter or draw a picture or a rainbow on your cloud. Decorate both sides. Now punch two holes evenly spaced across the top. Cut a piece of yarn about a foot long and tie an end in each hole. This is how you will hang your mobile.
• On the smaller clouds, write what your dreams are. Do you want to be a doctor? Would you like everyone to be happy? Do you want to own a puppy? Your dreams can be big ones or small ones – they are yours and that is what makes them special. Again, decorate each cloud however you would like it to look.
• Now punch a hole for each cloud along the bottom of the larger cloud – spacing them out evenly. Then punch a hole in the top of each little cloud. Cut a piece of string to go with each cloud, making them different lengths. Tie one end of the string in the bottom of the large cloud and the other end in the top of a small cloud. Repeat until you have all your shapes hanging from the larger cloud. Hang your “I have a dream” mobile where you can share your dreams with others. From:  educational-kids-crafts.suite101.com

Martin Luther King Jr Day Community Service Ideas

6. seeds of diversity.

A simple project can demonstrate the beauty of diversity!

Martin Luther King’s dream was to see people of all countries, races, and religions living together in harmony. Gather seeds of different kinds and invite each student to plant a variety of seeds in an egg carton.

The seeds of different shapes, sizes, and colors will sprout side by side. Once the plants are large enough, transplant them into a large pot in the classroom or in a small garden outside. If you do this project with some of the school classes, each class in the school might do the project on its own, culminating in the creation of a beautiful, colorful, and diverse schoolwide garden!

7. Two Friendship Snacks for MLK Day 

Have each child brings in a half cup of their FAVORITE SNACK (You can offer parents suggestions at this point: cereal, raisins, crackers, etc) when you get all of the snacks— mix them all in a huge bowl and serve them for a snack .

Talk about how DIFFERENT THINGS GO TOGETHER to make something very good. This helps get the ideas of diversity, sharing, cooperation, and trying new things across.

8. Consider celebrating MLK Day with a ‘SERVICE PROJECT’!

As Coretta Scott King said, “The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others.” See the  Community Service   and Service Ideas on this site.

9. Explore Diversity of the World’s Population

• Talk to kids about the wonderful contributions that people from many different backgrounds make will go a long way to creating caring and compassionate adults who accept people for who they are.
• Also discuss cultural awareness issues with kids and explore traditions and activities from African and Caribbean countries. Try some of these ideas as a starting point to explore many cultures all year long.
• Take on a Program or Club Research Project Learn about a different country in Africa or the Caribbean. Every member of the program group or a “special club” could research one aspect of the country such as the population, languages spoken and where it is on a map. Younger children could draw a picture or write a story about what one day in a child’s life would be like in that country.
• Find out how to speak three phrases in the primary language of the country as part of the group project.
• Research an influential person, such as a politician or inventor, in the movement of black rights in North America.
• Go to the produce aisle and try a fruit or vegetable from the Caribbean or Africa that your children have not tried before such as plantains, figs or guava. Adapted from:  Suite101.com

10. Give Peace a Hand 

This wonderful display is from the kindergarten class of Renee Glassow.

Surround the center photographs/images/posters with handprints and promises the children make. On individual sheets of paper, put each child’s painted or traced handprint. Below the handprint write the child’s pledge. Examples from display:  I will use kind words, I will be friends with everyone, I will give hugs and kisses, I will listen and clean up , etc.

Martin Luther King Jr Day Songs for Kids

11. a song sung to the tune of bingo.

There was a man who had a dream His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

Mar-tin Lu-ther King…. Mar-tin Lu-ther King… Mar-tin Lu-ther King…

His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

Doctor King, he had a dream He wanted peace for everyone

P-E-A-C-E… P-E-A-C-E…. P-E-A-C-E

12. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Sing to tune of London Bridges Falling Down 

His name was Martin Luther King,

Luther King,

A civil rights leader.

On peaceful marches he would go,

He would go,

This civil rights leader.

I have a dream, he said one day,

Said one day,

Treat everyone the same and fair,

Same and fair,

Said this civil rights leader.

We hope you have found these teaching resources helpful and will use them for a teaching lesson on Martin Luther King or the history of the civil rights movement. If you want some more teaching ideas, choose a Dr. Martin Luther King worksheet.

 ***You may also be interested in the  Diversity and Multicultural  Categories and category activities in  Black History 

A father to three young boys with a passion of homeschooling. I am always seeking new ways to help them learn, grow, and have fun. I have a passion for traveling with the family and exposing our kids to new experiences and life lessons.

27 Helpful Martin Luther King Jr. Activities

Martin Luther King Jr. is a man to remember and teach on Martin Luther King day . Here are 27 ideas and activities I hope you find helpful in teaching diversity and Martin Luther King Jr. facts .

The third Monday in January is a great day to use one of these writing activities, worksheets, or project ideas.

1.  Crayon Box That Talked  – Review diversity, why each child is special and deserving based on using the affiliate read aloud book, “ The Crayon Box That Talked. ”

2.  Diversity With Play-dough – Hiding color in the middle of playdough balls is a great visual to demonstrate diversity and that people are people.

3.  Fair or Unfair – An equality sorting activity for students to decide whether statements are just or unjust for up through fifth grade.

4. Sneetches Video – A classic way to start discussion about diversity with primary students and to make deeper level connections with upper elementary students.

5.  The Same On The Inside – Egg Experiment  – Similar to the playdough experiment above this activity helps young students visualize and understand diversity and value.

I Have A Dream Speech Printables

6.  Whats Your Dream – Have students break down what their dreams are for the family, themselves and the world.

7.  Snowflake Dream – Use patterning or art to have students featured their goals and dreams on a snowflake template with super easy strips of paper.

8.  Dreams Class Book  – With 2 templates, create a class book with everyone’s hopes and dreams.

MLK Quotes and Poems

9.  What Are You Doing For Others – This printable quote is from Matrin Luther King Jr. and reminds us to ask ourselves what we are doing for others.

10.  Poetry Journal – Here’s a poem and a craft template to add to a poetry journal that sums up who MLK Jr. was.

11.  Whole World in His Dream – To the tune of a familiar song, this easy to sing tune is great for kindergarten.

Character Traits Printables

12.  Who Is MLK  – This set of 5 printable pages covers a class book, a word web and a MLK writing paper for first grade.

13.  Martin Luther King Jr Was – A graphic organizer that is perfect for writing about who he was.

Martin Luther King Day Writing Activities

14.  Martin Luther King Day Word Work – Students will love figuring out the mystery word phrase in this word work activity for third grade.

15.  Hooray, Hooray It’s MLK Day – Here is a set of 3 templates to write or answer questions about Dr. King.

16.  Martin Luther King Quotes  – This packet of worksheets includes a crossword puzzle, word search, word scramble and Martin Luther King quotes .

17.  Martins Dream Workpage – If you read the book Martin’s Dream by Amy June Bates, then this fill in the blank work page is a good follow up.

Compare And Contrast

18.  Martin Luther King Venn Diagram – Bring in more social studies by using a then and now venn diagram comparison chart.

Martin Luther King Jr Units

19.  Thank You Dr. King – This 30 page mini-unit uses apples to help discuss diversity, character traits and more.

20.  Dr. King Mini Unit – This 12 page mini-unit has writing pages and a MLK Jr. fact fill in for kindergarten and first grade.

Facts and Research

21.  The Life of Martin Luther King – Here’s how to teach research using MLK information from webquests to create timelines.

22.  Martin Luther King Facts – With a one page summary of Dr. King’s life, students can write 5 facts that they learned.

23. The King and His Dream – A way to explore and connect to this video with preschoolers.

MLK Jr. Inspired Crafts

24.  Peace Flower – Make a flower out of a handprint using various shades of skin tone paper.

25.  How Would You Change the World – This gorgeous end product project is a sincere way for kids to use art and a simple sentence to write about how they want to impact the world.

26. Martin Luther King Mobile (no longer avilable) – Create a mobile with your class’ dreams all written on a printable circle template.

27.  Fingerprint Dove Tutorial – Create a class art piece with lots of colors to symbolize how it takes all of us to make things peaceful.

Martin Luther King Jr. Read Aloud Books

Here are some recommended affiliate books I can recommend for MLK Day and diversity for elementary classrooms.

• The Sneetches (and other stories)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. (National Geographic Readers)
• A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Martin’s Dream
• Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World)

I hope you found these resources and activities to be helpful in planning your Martin Luther King Day lessons. Thanks talented teachers – your printables and activities are great! Feel free to share your “ I’m a Featured Teach Junkie ” badge on your blog, facebook or instagram. You earned it! {{woot}}

More January Ideas

• Frozen Olaf Snowman Craft Activity
• Tacky the Penguin – 7 Quick Primary Resources
• Your Personal Teacher’s Assistant for January
• 27 New Year’s Teacher Tools for January

Teach Junkie

Leslie {aka the original Teach Junkie} loves learning new things to make teaching easier and more effective. She enjoys featuring creative classroom fun when she's not designing teacher shirts, making kindergarten lesson plans or planning her family's next trip to Disney World.

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Martin Luther King Day

Join Education World this January as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day. We have articles, lesson ideas, books, activities, and much more -- all to help you meet your holiday needs. The life of American hero Martin Luther King Jr., offers many teaching opportunities. In these lessons, Education World presents cross-curricular and cross-grade lessons teachers can use to share King's life and legacy with students. Included: More than 20 lessons. Just in time to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday -- activities across the grades for learning about the life of the famous civil rights leader. Teaching tolerance Martin Luther King dreamed of a world more tolerant that the one he lived in. These five lessons are designed to teach students about Kings dream of tolerance. Included: Lessons on stereotyping, appreciating differences, recognizing how words can hurt (or heal), and more. Some R-E-S-P-E-C-T (lessons) just for you! Aretha and Rodney are always talking about respect; now it's Ed World's turn! If your students lack it or could stand to learn more about it, we offer five lessons this week to get them talking and thinking about R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Outgroup experiment reveals bias, stereotyping Marcie Pachter, who teaches at Palm Beach Community College in Lake Worth, Florida, submitted this week's lesson, which includes an activity to let students experience the bias and stereotyping often experienced by people who are different. (Grades 6-12) Heroic activities to celebrate heroes Everyone has a hero -- someone to look up to or admire. Education World offers ten lessons to get students thinking about their heroes. Included: Students create a picture book about their heroes, develop holidays honoring their favorite heroes, create memorials for animal heroes, and more. I Have a Dream Martin Luther King Jr.'s words are brought to life in this book from Scholastic Press. Stamp on Black History A site based on the US Postal Service's collection of Black History-related stamps. Information includes biographies,activities and art. Books celebrate Black History Explore the Black experience with this handful of titles which run the genre gamut from history to biography to poetry. See additional resources on Education World's Black History Month resource page. Copyright © 2014, 2015 Education World   EW Lesson Plans EW Professional Development Ew worksheets. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and receive top education news, lesson ideas, teaching tips and more! No thanks, I don't need to stay current on what works in education! COPYRIGHT 1996-2016 BY EDUCATION WORLD, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYRIGHT 1996 - 2024 BY EDUCATION WORLD, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SchoolNotes.com The Educator's Network 453 COMMENTS 30 Meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Activities for All Ages Many students now know him only as a hero, but in the 1950s and 1960s, Dr. King was considered a troublemaking rebel. (Read What My Students Don't Understand About Martin Luther King Jr.) Explore his words and actions and get involved in today's social justice movement with these Martin Luther King Jr. activities for kids in grades pre-K to 12. Lesson plan: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Students will examine why the speech was a defining ... 20 Free Printable MLK Activities for Kids MLK Activities for School-Aged Kids. CNN Student News Learning Activity: MLK's "I Have a Dream" Speech. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech as visual text - Lesson Plan. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech as a work of literature. Write Your Own "I Have a Dream" Speech. 15 Meaningful Martin Luther King Activities for the Classroom Here are 15 meaningful Martin Luther King activities for the classroom that will engage and educate students. 1. "I Have a Dream" Speech Analysis: Provide students with a transcript or video of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Have them read or listen to the speech and then analyze its significance, key ... Martin Luther King, Jr. Lesson Plans and Activities Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) was a Baptist minister who became a civil rights activist. He led the 'March on Washington' in 1963 where he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. In 1964 he was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial discrimination and segregation. 12+ Martin Luther King Jr. Activities to Teach Kids About MLK in a My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III. Written by Dr. King's son, Martin Luther King III, this children's book tells the story of a father's love for his son. It's a beautiful reminder that Dr. King was more than just a hero to millions around the world. He was a special man much loved by his own family. Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids (Google Slides, Videos, and More) Martin Luther King was a civil rights activist and leader in the 1950s and 1960s in the southern United States. He believed in nonviolent, peaceful protest as a means to fight racial injustice. Dr. King was a powerful speaker, delivering many speeches to inspire others to join the movement. 8 Printout Activities for Martin Luther King Day On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous, "I Have a Dream" speech to more than 200,000 people at the March on Washington. Dr. King advocated non-violent protests and shared his belief and hope that all people could be treated as equals regardless of their race. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Martin Luther King Jr. Day classroom resources Black American civil rights leader Martin Luther King (1929 - 1968) addresses crowds during the March On Washington at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC, where he gave his 'I Have A Dream' speech. Lesson plan: Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech as ... Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s most memorable speech from his life as an activist, "I HAVE A DREAM," was delivered on August 28, 1963, before more than 200,000 people in front of the Lincoln ... Results for martin luther king jr speech activities the think tank. Martin Luther King Jr. was and still is considered one of the world's most prolific speakers. His birthday and African American History Month are excellent opportunities to analyze his famous speech, "I Have a Dream." This activity uses a doodle notes approach to help students organize their thinking and feelings to respond to ... Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech Through a step-by-step process, students will acquire the skills to analyze and assess primary source material. Over the course of five lessons, students will read, analyze, and gain a clear understanding of "I Have a Dream," a speech delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr., at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. Martin Luther King Jr. (Activities for speech therapy) Articulation: Common articulation sounds. ★ Incorporate social studies and non-fiction into speech therapy with this incredible unit. ★ Targets CCSS goals of comprehension (SL2), speaking clearly (SL5,6), vocabulary (L4), and retelling (RL2). ★ Reading passages and vocabulary at three language levels to differentiate for K-5th grade. PDF Full text to the I Have A Dream speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Junior h we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "W. hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the ... Martin Luther King Jr. Worksheets, Civil Rights Activities Activity 6: Guess Who: Heroes of Civil Rights. How well do you know some of the heroes of the civil rights movement? Match them to the words they might have said. Activity 7: MLK Complete the Speech. Some of the words to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I have a dream…" speech are missing. Complete the missing words and read the ... Five Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities and Templates for the Classroom 5) Vimboard. If you're looking for a quick entry or exit ticket activity about Martin Luther King, Jr., you can use a tool like Vimboard. It will allow you to take a game-based approach and engage students in an activity that reveals MLK, Jr. "We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.". Martin Luther King I Have a Dream Speech Martin Luther King I Have a Dream Speech Best Free Martin Luther King Jr. Lessons and Activities Dr. King's Dream Lesson Plan In this standards-aligned lesson, students learn about King through a brief biography, videos, and photos, then answer questions and complete activities. Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and the Power of Nonviolence King was strongly influenced by Gandhi's philosophy of civil disobedience via nonviolent resistance ... Martin Luther King Jr. Articulation Worksheets This Martin Luther King Day Bundle includes a variety of speech and language activities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Day. It contains adaptive book with picture cards, two no prep articulation resources and one language themed resource.What's IncludedMLK interactive book: Who is Martin Luthe Transcript of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech : NPR Transcript of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech 12 Martin Luther King Day Activities for Kids 3. I Have a Dream Scroll. Write on a chart, some of the "dreams" that Martin Luther King expressed in his speech. Let's celebrate Martin Luther King by asking students to think about the things they dream for themselves, their families, their country, and the world, and to express those dreams in their own "I have a dream" scroll ... 27 Helpful Martin Luther King Jr. Activities Here are 27 ideas and activities I hope you find helpful in teaching diversity and Martin Luther King Jr. facts. The third Monday in January is a great day to use one of these writing activities, worksheets, or project ideas. 1. Crayon Box That Talked - Review diversity, why each child is special and deserving based on using the affiliate ... Martin Luther King Day lesson plans and activities Martin Luther King Jr., teaches many lessons The life of American hero Martin Luther King Jr., offers many teaching opportunities. In these lessons, Education World presents cross-curricular and cross-grade lessons teachers can use to share King's life and legacy with students. Included: More than 20 lessons. Happy birthday, MLK! assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review thesis