Embedded Files
Read Alouds
Read Alouds
K-5th Grades Lessons
K-5th Grades Lessons
Dr. King's Dream
Students in grades K-2 learn about the life and work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., listen to an excerpt from his “I Have a Dream” speech, and create picture books about freedom for Americans today.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Me: Identifying with a Hero
Students in grades K-2 learn about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., record information on a KWL chart, and keep a journal of thoughts and ideas.
How Big Are Martin's Words? Thinking Big about the Future
Students in grades 3-5 listen to a reading of Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and then analyze excerpts from King’s speeches for "big" words, words not necessarily as large in length as they are in importance: Freedom, Peace, Love.
Let Freedom Ring: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Students in grades 3-5 view photographs of the March on Washington, read Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, and investigate how he used language from "My Country 'Tis of Thee" in his own speech.
6th-8th Grade Lessons
6th-8th Grade Lessons
Using 'I Have a Dream' As a Work of Literature
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.
The March on Washington and Its Impact
Students will read Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech and explore themes such as the social conditions in the U.S. that led to the Civil Rights Movement, King’s philosophy and practice of peaceful resistance, the immediate impact of the March on society at the time and the long-term significance of the March.
MLK's Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Students will understand the message behind the letter as well as some basic facts about the attempted Capitol Hill Riot on January 6, 2021. They will also understand the different ways racism and belief in white supremacy are manifested. Finally, they will make connections between Dr King's message in the 1963 "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" and today.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' Speech as Visual Text
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 moment in the Civil Rights Movement and explain their analysis through a visual drawing or illustration.
The March on Washington Fact Sheet
The who, what, when, why, where and how of the March.
Interactive Timeline
An interactive timeline filled with video and text about the events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement. For educators there is a timeline guide that denotes the event and the length of its corresponding video.
For Parents and Educators
For Parents and Educators
The Do's and Don'ts of Celebrating MLK Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an ideal time to reflect on the life and legacy of this great leader, but it's important to do it with care and nuance—and to keep the conversation going beyond January 15.
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