Teaching About Martin Luther King Jr.
By MARISSA DESPINS Updated December 16, 2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important opportunity to teach students about the Civil Rights Movement, equality, and the enduring impact of Dr. King’s work. Teaching about Martin Luther King Jr. through read-alouds, close reading activities, and engaging projects can help your students connect with Dr. King’s message and explore how they, too, can make a difference.
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1 – Picture Book Read ALouds for Teaching about Martin Luther King Jr.
Even older students can gain valuable insights from well-chosen picture books. These stories provide an accessible way to introduce Dr. King’s life and ideals while sparking meaningful discussions.
Recommended Read-Alouds:
•Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
This beautifully illustrated book highlights key moments in Dr. King’s life and his use of powerful, inspiring words. Use it to discuss the importance of communication in creating change.
Check out this story on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
•I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This book pairs Dr. King’s famous speech with stunning artwork, making it an excellent starting point for discussions on his vision for equality and justice.
See this story on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
•The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Johnny Ray Moore
A concise yet impactful introduction to Dr. King’s life, perfect for sparking student interest in learning more about his achievements.
Check out this picture book on Amazon by clicking on the image or button below.
Activity Idea: After reading, have students reflect on the themes of the book and write about what Dr. King’s words mean to them today.
2 – Close Reading Activities to Learn About the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Read about his life or Introduce your students to excerpts of Dr. King’s speeches and writings to analyze his use of language and explore his ideas more deeply.
Grab a complete close reading unit on Martin Luther King Jr. here or by clicking on the image or button below!
3 – Create Student Research Posters
Help students learn more about Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement by creating research-based posters. Grab a FREE poster planning template for teaching about Martin Luther Kind Jr. in my FREE January planning guide – grab a copy here or by clicking on the image or button below!
4 – Complete an Acts of Kindness Challenge
Honor Dr. King’s legacy by encouraging students to complete acts of kindness in their school or community. Create a class chart to track their efforts.
5 – Encourage Classroom Discussion
Use prompts like “What does equality mean to you?” or “How can we continue Dr. King’s work today?” to spark thoughtful conversations.
By engaging with Dr. King’s life, words, and vision, students can connect history to the present and reflect on their own roles in building a more just and compassionate world. Through read-alouds, critical thinking, and creative projects, your classroom can honor Dr. King’s legacy in meaningful ways.
Interested in reading more about teaching about Martin Luther King Jr.?
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