Commemorate the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here are our best resources for teaching about the legacy of one of the greatest American icons, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You'll find biographies recollecting important events in his life, memorable quotes, and plays detailing the struggle for Civil Rights. In addition, here are some great printables and multimedia resources about Dr. King:

The following resources also include retrospective lessons and articles to guide your students while examining the state of his legacy and dream today.

Articles

How Do You Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?
Instructor Magazine | This content resource discusses teacher recommendations for their favorite ways to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Links to an online activity center are included as well as the ability to browse previous topics.

Martin Luther King Jr. Interactive Timeline
by Beth Newingham
After reviewing the life of Martin Luther King Jr., students work together to create a human timeline that marks important events of his life.

The Life and Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Part 1 of 2)
Learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s early childhood and his most profound intellectual influences.

The Fight for Equal Rights Continues
by John Shabe
Scholastic News Online | Learn about ongoing protests for racial equality in the United States.

Civil Rights: How Far Have We Come?
by Kathy Wilmore
Junior Scholastic | How close has America come to meeting the goal of equality for all?

Nonviolence on the Move
by Frank Caropreso
From "African Americans Who Made a Difference," this play centers on some of the most famous events of the Civil Rights struggle. Characters include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert Kennedy, Rosa Parks, and Reverend Ralph Abernathy.

About Martin Luther King, Jr.
This brief biography of slain civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize honoree, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. also contains suggestions for discussion topics and writing prompts.

Struggle for Equality: Quotes From Martin Luther King, Jr.
Read inspirational quotations from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the problems, the solutions, and the future of race matters.

An American Hero: Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Andrea J. Spillett
Kindergarten teacher Andrea J. Spillett explains how she introduces her students to the contributions of Dr. King. Kids think about and share how to make the world a better place.

I Have a Dream
by Mack Lewis
Instructor Magazine | January ,2003
Students learn about the Civil Rights Movement and the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by dramatizing an episode from his childhood, and imagining how it might have started him on his lifelong crusade to end racism.

Resources

Martin Luther King, Jr. (Grades 3-5)
SMART Board-compatible lesson plan about Dr. King's contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement. Built in Notebook software.