Learning more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
This week we celebrated MLK day, but why do we celebrate it?
As one of the United State’s most prominent civil rights activists and Nobel Peace Prize recipients, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr brought attention to civil rights issues facing the Black community through speeches like his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington D.C. and peaceful protests like his crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama.
We have collected resources that you can use to have your kids learn more about Martin Luther King Jr and talk about civil rights issues, some of which are still prevalent today. Having discussions about civil rights both in history and in current events is a great way to help cultivate your child’s social and emotional development.
To start, take a moment and listen or read Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Talk to your kids about what stood out to them, and let them know what stood out to you.
Grade-level lessons for MLK Day
These lessons are great resources to have your kids learning about Martin Luther King Jr and Civil Rights.
Grade level: K-5
Grade level: 6-8
4. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Power of Nonviolence
Grade level: 9-12
5. I Have a Dream: Exploring the Nonviolence in Young Adult Texts
Additional resources:
Martin Luther King Day
Education World presents a special Martin Luther King Day archive page that includes articles, lesson ideas, books, activities, and much more.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/tag/martin-luther-king-jr/
PBS News hour extra offers different videos and lessons.