Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led parts of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States (U.S.) during the 1950s and 1960s. Lessons about people like Dr. King help kids empathize with people from different ethnicities and showcase how one person can truly make a difference in the world.
Biographical Information
When you start to teach about important historical figures, give a background of their life to help kids see them as real people they can relate to. Touch on each of these areas of Dr. Martin Luther King's life, then expand on areas that make sense for your population, curriculum, and time frame. Colours of Us suggests over a dozen children's books about various parts of Dr. King's life that can accompany lessons including:
I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer - Great for preschoolers, this picture book features cartoon-style pictures and speaks to Dr. King's ability to make a change in the world.
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader - An early chapter book with black and white pictures, this story focuses on the historical significance of Dr. King's actions.
When kids can see bits of their lives and personalities in a historical figure, it makes that person more realistic and relatable. Through a brief childhood history, children will see that, just like them, Dr. King made mistakes and had parents who made many choices for his life.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King Jr. in 1929 in Georgia. He had an older sister, Willie Christine, and a younger brother, Alfred. Together they grew up with their parents, Michael King Sr. and Alberta, in a highly religious and respected family in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael Sr. became a pastor in a huge church a few years after Michael Jr. was born. Young Michael was a smart kid, but not one who obeyed his parents at all times or stayed out of trouble. Education world offers a list of 15 lesson plans featuring biographical information about Dr. King for all age groups.
In an effort to embrace his spiritual beliefs, Michael Sr. changed his name to Martin Luther honoring the German Protestant leader of that name. Because they shared a name, Michael Sr. also changed his five-year-old son's name to Martin Luther in 1934.
Education
In grade school, Dr. King was incredibly smart, skipping the 9th and 11th grade. Although he was very smart, he was not a highly motivated student. At age 15, Dr. King started college at Morehouse College in Atlanta where he earned a degree in Sociology. He had no interest in following the family legacy and becoming a minister. In fact, he often questioned his faith.
However, in his last year of college, Dr. King decided to head to the ministry after all. King then moved on to Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he graduated as Valedictorian in 1951. At the age of 25, Dr. King graduated with his doctoral degree from Boston University.
Ministry
Dr. King's positions as pastor were limited to two churches. In 1947 Dr. King accepted the position of pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where his father and grandfather both served as minister. He worked at this church up through 1954 then left to accept a position as pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Five years later, Dr. King was called on by Ebenezer Baptist Church to serve as co-pastor with his father and he accepted. Dr. King served at this church until his death.
Civil Rights Movement
Where Civil Rights March happened in Selma, Alabama
These topics can be difficult to cover with children because so much of Dr. King's work was shrouded by violence. Be sure to keep information and media presentations age-appropriate.
In the early 1950s Dr. King became heavily involved in the rising Civil Rights Movement to gain basic human rights and equal treatment for people of color. He was inspired by Gandhi's civil disobedience and sought to use nonviolent tactics as a means to force changes in the U.S. History.com highlights the timeline of events and accomplishments Dr. King was involved in during the movement including these highlights:
1955/1956 - Dr. King is chosen by activists to lead and speak for the bus boycott.
1957 - Dr. King, along with other ministers and activists, create the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The group agreed to use only nonviolent tactics to gain equality for all African Americans.
1963 - Dr. King is arrested for his involvement in the sit-ins, boycotts, and other nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama.
1963 - Dr. King organizes the March on Washington where approximately 300, 000 peaceful protesters march to the capital city where he gives the famous I Have a Dream speech.
1964 - Dr. King becomes the youngest person in history to earn a Nobel Peace Prize.
1965 - Dr. King leads the Selma March after brutal treatment of protesters in Selma, Alabama was broadcast on television.
1967 - The Poor People Campaign is steered by Dr. King and the SCLC to broaden the scope of civil rights to poor people.
The King Institute offers a comprehensive timeline of Dr. King's life. Teaching for Change provides a list of ten lesson plans related to understanding the Civil Rights Movement for kids of all ages.
Awards and Accolades
In 1964 Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the field of human rights. To see video and pictures from his award ceremony and hear his acceptance speech, visit Nobelprize.org. While this was perhaps his most prestigious award, Dr. King also received awards from organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT.) In addition, Dr. King has been honored in several ways after his death including:
Martin Luther King, Jr memorial monument in Washington, DC. 1983 - After passing votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate, President Ronald Reagan made the third Monday in January a federal holiday to celebrate Dr. King, promote civil rights and nonviolence, and encourage people to participate in public service. It took over 30 years for this holiday to take shape and be recognized by the whole country.
2011 - A national memorial was opened in Washington, D.C. depicting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The monument is one of few in honor of non-presidents and the only to honor a black man.
Dozens of streets, parks, schools, and churches carry Dr. King's name in honor of his work.
Learn about his life and greatest achievements with timelines, biographies, and related activities from Scholastic.
Impact on Others
Dr. King impacted the people of his time, the government of his time, and both entities in today's world. Help kids see the scope of Dr. King's work and how his words and actions continue to effect change long after his death. The National Education Association offers dozens of lesson plans, activities, and resources separated into three grade levels: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. You can also find free printable activities, lesson plans, and book recommendations at Free Homeschool Deals.
Historical
Add a multimedia component to lessons with movies related to Dr. King's life and the Civil Rights movement and set in the period he lived in.
Our Friend Martin (1998) - Ideal for younger kids, this movie combines animation and real-life footage as kids travel back in time to meet Dr. King.
Selma Lord Selma (2004) - Set in 1965, this Disney movie is recommended for kids ages 8-12 and based on a true story about a little girl in Alabama who gets inspired by Dr. King's messages.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham (2013) - Rated PG, this movie is based on the book of the same title and follows a family of five as they head to the racially divided Birmingham, Alabama, which is the matriarch's hometown.
Modern
Decades after his death, Dr. King's work continues to impact lives. In 2016 the Charlotte Observer asked current activists, politicians, and ministers to share their thoughts on what Dr. King would like about today's world. Responses include references to our first African American President, Barack Obama, the Affordable Care Act, and the legalization of Same-sex marriage. While you may tend to think of Dr. King's work as largely impacting the black community, he was a champion of equal rights and just treatment for all people.
More Ways to Learn
Children of all ages can participate in activities and lessons related to Dr. King's life and work. For more fun ideas check out:
Activity Village features 10 easy kids crafts related to equality, diversity and Martin Luther King, Jr. The creative website for children offers more than a dozen MLK Day Printables like customized writing paper and peace-themed page frames. In addition, Activity Village provides free MLK Day Worksheets including acrostic poems.
The National Park Service offers 14 lesson plans for kids in grades PK to 8 each covering a specific aspect of Dr. King's life or work.
Free online games like interactive puzzles and word searches are available on kid's website Primary Games.
The Past Influences the Future
When great people embrace their mission and their unique abilities, they make changes that outlast their lives. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one such person who saw a need and used his talents to affect change in the world across decades. While he is only one of the many people who took part in the Civil Rights movement, his accomplishments are an important part of history.
