Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. significantly impacted racial equality in the United States. Therefore, it is important to make sure students understand why we celebrate his legacy on the third Monday during the month of January. Here are 10 activities to guide your discussion about his life and accomplishments.

1. The March On Washington

Help students reflect on the Civil Rights Movement and the reasons why so many individuals chose to march in Washington with this lesson plan from PBS LearningMedia. It also allows them to analyze the progression of racial equality and determine a 21st century march-worthy cause.

 2. Create an MLK Timeline

Create classroom timelines comprised of Dr. King’s life and achievements. Have students add color, pictures, and captions to their timelines to make them vibrant and engaging. For an interactive timeline activity, click here.

 3. The Arts of Poetry and Persuasion

Discovery Education has a fantastic idea for a poetry slam using a video where students recite lines from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Students will focus on its descriptive language, write down facts, and formulate haikus. Volunteers then read their poems to the class as the muted video plays in the background for ambience. Click here for more information. Another assignment from NEA demonstrates how to write a persuasive essay using an excerpt from his famous “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” Take a look at the lesson plan here.

4. How Much Do You Know?

Begin class with this quiz as a warm up. Then, have students review their answers in groups. Check the answers as a whole and discuss Dr. King’s impact on America. Discovery Education also has a fun video with notable facts and information that would be very useful during the whole group discussion.  

5. Understanding the Past

It is necessary to have background knowledge of Jim Crow laws and racial inequality in order to fully understand why so many individuals participated in the Civil Rights Movement. The website, “The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow Laws,” on pbs.org gives in-depth information on the Jim Crow era using interactive maps, videos, and first-hand narratives. It also provides lesson plans and activities. Please check the site, as some images may be considered graphic.

6. MLK Day of Service

Discovery Education will be hosting a live streaming event on January 21 at 1:00 PM consisting of a panel of students that are making a difference in the world in areas from climate change to energy efficiency. Click here to register. After the event, challenge your students to do something beneficial in their communities in honor of this day. Students can pick up trash, assist a neighbor in need, or volunteer at a local food-pantry or shelter.

7. MLK Classroom Parade

Many cities throughout the state will have parades to commemorate Dr. King. Your class can too! Students can create pictures and posters with information about him and his contributions. Afterwards, turn on some music and let them march around the classroom showing off their MLK-themed projects. For older students, plan a gallery walk.

8. Provide Inspiration

This Scholastic lesson plan targets children from pre-kindergarten to kindergarten, teaches about Dr. King, and explores how they can make a positive impact in the world.  

9. Core Exercise

This adorable activity with apples by Lyndsey Kuster examines differences, tolerance, and acceptance. Her Pathway to Change exercise also aids them in determining how they can make a worldly impact.

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10. All About Literary Devices

Use the “I Have A Dream Speech” to review literary devices such as parallelism, alliteration, and personification. 

Let us know how you are celebrating in your classroom by leaving a comment below!