The Importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an activist who played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement that took place in the mid 1950s until his assassination in 1968. Dr. King fought tirelessly for equality and human rights for African-Americans. According to History.com, Dr. King was the driving force behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott (Rosa Parks) and the March on Washington, which helped bring both the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Act to legislation. His epic “I Have a Dream” speech cemented his reputation as one of the greatest leaders in the fight for human rights.

Activities for Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Commemorating Dr. King’s life on the third Monday of every January is a great stepping-off point to learning more about his tremendous influence. Here are some different classroom activities designed to get your students thinking about Dr. King’s poignant life and beliefs.

Breaking Down the Walls of Intolerance

“We will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

The mission of Teaching Tolerance is to help teachers educate youth to be active participants in a diverse democracy. One way of doing so is to help break down the walls of intolerance by having students participate in a united activity. Teachers will prepare red paper “bricks” ahead of time and give each student one. Then, they will ask students to recall a time they felt bullied, teased, or left out and write it down with a marker on the red brick. Younger students can draw a picture or dictate what should be written down.

Next, each classroom teacher will hang students’ bricks to create a wall of intolerance in the school’s hallway. Once all bricks are hung, ask students to copy one down on a piece of paper and share them in the classroom. Then, discuss ways students can eliminate that specific problem from their school culture.

Inspirational Artwork

“Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King was a human rights activist that believed everyone should be treated the same and have the same opportunities. Public artwork can be informative as well as inspiring. For this activity, students will create a poster that will help to spark dialogue around an important issue (acceptance, equality, diversity, etc.). Students will work in small groups to plan and execute their design. Make sure students are able to answer the questions: “What is the central theme of your poster? What message does it express to your audience?” Once completed, students can unveil their artwork and share it with their classmates and then with their school community (hang it up in the hallway).

Contributing Peace

“He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. always encouraged peace and for that was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. To help incorporate the spirit of Dr. King, have students think of how they can contribute peace to the world. Give each student a large, blank, white piece of paper and have students draw a peace sign on it. Next, have them draw a picture of themselves on the bottom left-hand section. The top two sections will be where they will write how they can contribute peace to the world. Younger students can draw pictures while older students can write anything they want in the top two sections of the peace sign. Display these peaceful projects in the hallway for a reminder of Dr. King’s dream.

An extension of this activity is for students to choose one of the ways they brainstormed they would contribute peace to the world; then hold a peaceful school protest. Discuss how Dr. King’s protests are tied to the protests happening today (take a knee, women’s march, etc.).

Mix it Up

“Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Students report that the lunchroom is full of cliquey, segregated students who usually only sit with people they know. In response to this report, Teaching Tolerance created an event called “Mix it Up at Lunch,” which is a call to action for students in all grades to sit next to someone new in the cafeteria. This event helps students cross social boundaries, meet new people, as well as learn some social skills. MLK day is a great opportunity to host a “Mix it Up” day to help break down social barriers and encourage students to be courageous, overcome fear, and try something new.

Serving Others

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrate Dr. King Day in your classroom with a day of service. Students can develop their own service project or can be given a choice of options. Americorps can help you plan your volunteer project with a list of project ideas such as providing food assistance, promoting healthy futures, and helping to beautify the community. Students of all ages can help.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings are more relevant today than they ever have been. Through meaningful classroom activities, students can gain a deeper understanding of why our country honors his legacy and why his teachings are still important today.

Looking for other ways to recognize MLK Jr. in your class? Explore our lesson plans and writing prompts!

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In this lesson, students will read about and then compare two known African-American heroes: Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King Jr. 

Learning Objectives

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

For the full lesson plan, download the PDF.

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Black Leaders in History to Celebrate

While there are too many important Black history leaders to put in a list, here are just a few ideas of Black leaders in history that can be studied and celebrated throughout Black History Month.

Rosa Parks, 1913-2005

February 4^th, the birthdate of Rosa Parks, is a great day to dedicate to learning about Rosa Parks. On Dec. 1, 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat for a white man that boarded the bus she was on. She was arrested for failing to obey the driver’s seat assignments. This led to the Montgomery bus boycott. This opens the door to teach students what a boycott is and, more specifically, about non-violent civil disobedience. Brainpop and Brainpop Jr. both have excellent videos for a variety of age groups that can introduce students to Rosa Parks and her major contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

Harriet Tubman, 1822-1913

Some say Harriett Tubman led as many as 300 slaves to freedom within 10 years. Her life’s work was about risking her own life to save others. A great way to celebrate Harriet Tubman’s life is to learn about the Underground Railroad. Take this opportunity to help students understand the risks involved for Tubman as she traveled back and forth. For older students, mapping stops on the Underground Railroad is a great activity that can really bring historic events to life.

Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968

Traditionally, a great deal of time is spent in January to honor and recognize the achievements and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. However, there is not enough time in one unit of study to examine the impact of Dr. King’s legacy. Therefore, when studying Black leaders in history during the month of February, one cannot overlook how so many other Black leaders in history either led to or resulted from the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Examine in more detail the impact that he had and continues to have on our society.

Frederick Douglass, 1818-1895

Born into slavery, Douglass went on to escape and become a well-known, influential abolitionist. He was an author and a public speaker who used his gifts and talents to further the cause of freedom. His life and his story are important and significant for any grade level to examine. However, with older students, a study of the writings of Frederick Douglass makes for an incredibly eye-opening glimpse into slavery.

Maya Angelou, 1928-2014

As an American poet, Angelou has been one of the most prominent and influential figures of the last century. This would be a great opportunity to integrate a study of poetry by reading her works. You could also incorporate the poetry of Langston Hughes, another great African-American poet.

Ruby Bridges, 1954 –

An American Civil Rights activist, Bridges was the first African-American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana in 1960. As you study the struggles of Ruby Bridges and others that followed her in desegregation, you can watch actual interviews with her, helping students to make the connection to someone living today that dealt with issues such as these. This can help to bring the history to life for students.

Activities to Recognize Black Leaders

Decorate Your Classroom

Take the opportunity to integrate some art activities into your Black History Month study. Allow students to create posters and murals highlighting some of the leaders that have been studied throughout the month. You can also display poetry and art from famous African-American artists.

Living Book Reports

Have a day to celebrate biographies of Black leaders in history by having a day of living book reports. Assign each student a different biography, appropriate for your given grade level, about a Black leader in history. You can have them prepare a presentation to give to the class or invited guests such as family members. Students can dress as the person they are presenting. Younger students really enjoy this!

Virtual Field Trips

Take a virtual tour of museums that feature accomplishments of Black leaders in history. You can virtually explore museums such as Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture, The Museum of African-American Art, Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, etc.

Poetry Day

Take a day to celebrate great African-American poets in history. Read and perform poetry. After studying some of the poetry, give students the opportunity to write some of their own, perhaps using some Black leaders in history or civil rights events as inspiration.

Discussion of Social Injustice

Take this opportunity to discuss both past and current issues involving social injustice. Students can work in groups to problem-solve and debate issues and ways to improve social injustices.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Take a whole day to learn about and reflect on the contributions and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Listen to and study his “I Have a Dream” speech, analyzing his words and discussing meaning. Younger students can make a birthday card for Dr. King. Regardless of age or grade level, you can find wonderful biographies on Dr. King. You could even have a classroom or school “parade” in celebration of Dr. King and the impact he has had on society.

Music of Black History

Research how music has been used as a tool to communicate beliefs, victories, and struggles throughout history in the fight for freedom and equality. Listen to some of these songs and discuss the context in which they were written.

During Black History Month, take time to highlight some of these incredible Americans and their sacrifices, which helped to make this country a better place for all.

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Black History Month is an annual celebration of the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States during the month of February. This important month-long event is also celebrated throughout several different countries in the world as well. Black History Month is a special time of remembrance as history is revisited in order to gain a greater appreciation for the here and now for all African-Americans. Although the origins of Black History Month can be traced all the way back to 1926, it did not officially become a national observance until 1976 by President Gerald Ford. Since then, each month of February has been dedicated to remembering and acknowledging all that entails African-American history.

Why is it Important for Students to Celebrate Black History Month?

Black History Month teaches students how African-Americans struggled to gain simple freedoms that others were granted so easily. In our country’s past, African-Americans have been forced into slavery, treated inhumanely, and denied rights and freedoms simply because of the color of their skin. Through studying African-American history, students can visualize how this mistreatment of Black people was cruel and unnecessary.

It is also extremely important to celebrate Black History Month because it does draw attention to the shortcomings of the past (i.e. slavery, civil rights, etc.). These flaws in American history should never be ignored or looked over. It is equally important that these shortcomings be understood so that they are never repeated in the future. Through studying this history, students learn that all are created equal regardless of the color of their skin. It makes students aware of racial injustice and how they can make a difference if they exude perseverance and determination.

Activities for Celebrating Black History Month in Your Class

ELA

I Have a Dream Writing Activity: At the completion of a study about Martin Luther King Jr., you may direct your students to write about their own dreams. These dreams can be personal or dreams for the world in general. This is an excellent activity for students of all ages. Primary and elementary grade students can write about their dreams and paint or color a picture that accompanies them. As an extension for older grades, middle and high school students can use the basis of their writing to create a speech that is presented to classmates.

Read a Book: One of the simplest things that you can do to introduce students to Black History Month is read a book! Books immerse readers into a new world, and they allow students to place themselves in another’s shoes. Stories such as Mae Among the Stars, Last Stop on Market Street, and Minty are just a few examples of literature for elementary students, but there are numerous others that provide insights into African-American history. This activity is more catered to younger readers and students, but there are more appropriate books that are suitable for older students that you may choose to use in your classroom as well.

Social Studies

Take a Virtual Field Trip: In order to advance student understanding of the history of African-Americans, students may take a virtual field trip to an area of significance. Students could take a virtual trip to view a slave plantation (via the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana, Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina, etc.) to better grasp why slavery was such a problem and put to an end. Students could visit Washington DC to learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. and his famous speech that inspired so many to seek out their dreams and peacefully stand up for what is right.

Jazz music is a huge African-American accomplishment so why not have students visit where it all began? Students could virtually explore Harlem in New York City to experience early jazz music and learn how African-American spirituals were the inspiration for its strong rhythm patterns and periods of improvisation. The purpose of a virtual field trip is to bring history to life to make learning more meaningful and engaging for students. Virtual field trips can be used at any grade level making them a versatile student activity during Black History Month.

Create a Timeline: In order to understand how African-Americans were treated in American history, students could create a timeline of events that are significant. Students must research African-American history, and through the tools of selection and evaluation, they must determine which events are most important to place on the timeline. This type of activity can be completed as a group or individual project, and in some cases, students would need to develop the timeline over several class periods due to the amount of research needed. Although this activity is more suitable for older students (middle and high school), it can most certainly be adapted for younger students through teacher guidance.

The Arts

Underground Railroad Performance: Another activity that is easily adapted and suitable for various grade levels is the viewing of a play and/or musical showing the conditions surrounding slavery and the Underground Railroad. The musical, Freedom Train, is an excellent depiction of Harriet Tubman and her journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad. It outlines the hardships surrounding slavery and helps student gain a greater understanding of why slavery needed to be abolished. It also helps to develop empathy in students.

Learn or Create a Spiritual: To pass the time and keep their spirits high, slaves created and sang spirituals. These songs were intended to help slaves keep their faith and continue on despite the devastating conditions many of them faced. Songs like “Free at Last,” “Go Down Moses,” and “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” are just a few examples. Spirituals, like “Wade in the Water,” were also used as code during the time of the Underground Railroad. Students could learn to sing a spiritual or study spirituals in order to create their own based on their understanding of slavery. This activity is appropriate for students of all ages.

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In examining the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the book, Martin’s Big Words, by Doreen Rappaport, students are inspired to look for ways in which the world could be better and how they, as citizens, can work toward that goal. This writing lesson includes an interactive read-aloud, partner activities, and brainstorming that culminates in a writing assignment in which students will write an opinion piece on how to make the world a better place.

Learning Objectives

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.2
Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.

For the full writing prompt, download the PDF.

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Invite guest speakers

Reach out to people in your community and invite them to be guest speakers regarding topics about which your students are learning. For example, if students are learning about animals and/or biology, perhaps invite a veterinarian to speak to students. You could also invite a local author or newspaper editor to talk about the process of writing and editing in English/Language Arts class. When learning about cities and environmental effects, consider inviting a city planner or mayor. You could always ask a principal, lawyer, or doctor to come and speak to your students. Seeing and listening to people who have achieved in these areas may just inspire students and give them something to strive for.

Developing empathy

Of course, some students seem to be born with empathy for others. They are able to express love and concern for others in a truly selfless way. However, most will need some help along the way to look outward instead of inward. In almost any community, students are aware of the plight of homeless people. By examining statistics regarding the homeless in a nearby area and thinking of real ways that they can help, students will be encouraged to develop empathy for others. Service projects involving the homeless, or perhaps, those in nursing homes, can also help students begin to feel for others in a way that will inspire action. 

Current events

Particularly in the area of social studies, using current events can help make learning relevant and authentic. When there is a local or general election, teach about that and conduct your own campaign and election in class. This could be varied in many ways so that it could be used for any grade level. Use current bills that are being debated in Congress and debate them in class. Take a look at issues involving lobbyists or political activism and discuss the pros and cons.

Social justice

As students study history, anywhere from pre-Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, they can explore issues of social justice. Students can learn about the importance of standing up for what is right. They could also learn about what it really means to peacefully protest and how Martin Luther King Jr. utilized it for the greater good. They could create signs and organize marches. They could discuss injustices that they are aware of or have noticed in their school or community and discuss ways to improve this situation with classmates.

Field trips

Sometimes instead of bringing the real world into the classroom, you can take the classroom out into the real world. Finding institutions that will allow students to interact with employees can be highly beneficial for reinforcing many skills. Grocery stores, banks, restaurants, law enforcement agencies, nursing homes, and retail stores, just to name a few, provide great opportunities for students to observe skills they’ve learned being put to use and how their newly acquired skills will help them function in the real world.

Manners and etiquette

Many years ago, children learned at least basic manners at home and, thankfully, some still do. However, most educators understand that between the lack of family-time and the rise of handheld technology, many students lack some basic social skills, particularly in regards to manners and etiquette. Hopefully, you would be able to intervene at a young age to teach manners, but even if students are older it is still necessary to make sure they know at least very basic manners and etiquette. These kinds of skills will be necessary as students apply for jobs, meet new people, go to college, etc.

Finance training

So many students graduate from high school without basic knowledge of how to write a check or open a bank account. It is also important to help them understand the benefits of saving money and the dangers of credit cards and other high interest loans. Setting up a classroom economy and allowing students to choose careers/salaries and create budgets can be a powerful way to teach the importance of healthy financial habits. 

Primary source documents

Encourage better independent research skills by providing students with primary source documents for examination in the classroom. Students can work together to answer document-based questions. Learning to examine original documents to derive meaning is a skill that students will need throughout their lives.

Use the news

Whether you are teaching about community leadership, government, or nonfiction literature, a great idea is to bring in some articles from local or national newspapers. You can put students in groups and allow them time to read the articles and discuss with one another for better understanding. Students can then debate ideas about the issues being discussed and ways to improve difficult situations. 

Simulate a real-world experience

Anytime you can simulate real world experiences in the classroom there is much to be gained. One example of a simulated experience is mock job interviews. This is something that students absolutely need to be prepared for. Not only can you simulate interviews, but you can also walk them through the whole process of filling out applications and communicating appropriately with would-be employers. Another great experience to simulate is a social situation in which students can practice manners and etiquette from earlier lessons.

Community work

Giving students opportunities like feeding the homeless or raising funds for underserved communities can help bring the real world to the students in your classroom. Another opportunity is cleaning up areas that are overwhelmed with trash and litter. Students could help clean up and refurbish parks in their community. This can help students understand the importance of working together within a community for the common good. 

Life skills

Again, many of these kinds of skills used to be predictably taught in the home. This is becoming less likely and therefore, more important to incorporate into our curriculum. As basic as it may seem, all students need to know how to prepare food, at least on a very basic level. By showing students just a few very simple recipes, they gain a better understanding of meal preparation. There are other skills related to household management that students will need to know. Basic cleaning and self-care skills are skills that many students don’t get taught at home and are critically important for students to know how to do before they are on their own. And, as unfortunate as it is, some students can benefit from those skills more immediately than others as some children, due to parents’ demanding work schedules or situations of neglect, find themselves in the difficult position of taking care of themselves and sometimes their younger siblings as well.

If you are able to successfully integrate these types of real-world experiences into your classroom, you won’t hear questions like “Why are we doing this?” anymore. Students will not only understand and achieve in the given skill or standard, but they will also understand the context. This is when truly authentic learning takes place.

*Updated July 2021

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In March 1963, before a crowd of 250,000 people, one of the most famous speeches in history was delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. The “I Have a Dream” speech is recognized as a key moment in the civil rights movement. In this writing prompt, students will write a first-person point of view as if they were in the crowd during the iconic speech.

Learning Objectives

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.

For the full writing prompt, download the PDF.

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