Martin Luther King Jr. Day is such a wonderful opportunity to teach students about kindness, fairness, and dreaming big. Personally, I love that it kicks off learning about biographies, history, and timelines, which naturally lead into the themes of Black History Month. With the right activities, we can help kids understand Dr. King’s legacy in a meaningful and age-appropriate way. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate in your classroom, I’ve got you covered with a mix of read-alouds, a fun and educational Readers’ Theater, a thought-provoking writing extension, and creative ideas to spark meaningful conversations.
Start with a Powerful Read-Aloud
Books are such a great way to open the door to important discussions, and there are so many fantastic ones to choose from for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I read a picture book aloud daily to my students, it is one of our favorite times of the day.
Here are five of my favorites:
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This is a wonderful book to introduce students to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The illustrations are beautiful with the stained glass window theme. The text is very simple, clear and concise. I like that his quotes are woven throughout the book as well.
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My Brother Martin offers a unique glimpse into Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood, showing him as a relatable, playful, and curious child. Students connect easily to the stories his sister shares. This book is also an excellent way to introduce the concept of primary versus secondary sources—since it’s written by someone who experienced life with Martin firsthand. Beyond the historical value, it’s a powerful tool for fostering empathy as students learn about the challenges Martin faced even as a young boy and how his family’s values shaped his path.
Adding a biography of Martin Luther King Jr. to your read-aloud mix is a great way to provide students with more background knowledge. This book by David A. Adler is a solid choice, offering an accessible and straightforward introduction to Dr. King’s life and legacy. That said, I’ve also enjoyed reading several other biographies from my classroom library that are just as impactful. It’s always helpful to have a variety of resources to give students a well-rounded understanding of his journey and achievements.
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This stunning book brings Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech to life through captivating illustrations. It includes a digital copy of the speech, as well as the full text printed at the back of the book, making it a versatile resource for the classroom. Suitable for students from Kindergarten to 5th grade, this book is an excellent way to introduce or revisit Dr. King’s powerful message. It also provides a great opportunity to discuss the difference between primary and secondary sources in a meaningful context.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by
This book is always a favorite among my students. It tells the inspiring story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, who courageously volunteered to go to jail to help end segregation. Martin Luther King Jr. appears in the story as a supporting character, adding a familiar connection for students.
I love using this book after students have built background knowledge about Dr. King. It encourages them to think more deeply and make meaningful connections, helping them see how young people played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a powerful way to show that anyone, regardless of age, can make a difference.
BONUS PICK:
This book is newer to me but would be such a great companion book to The Youngest Marcher. The illustrations are stunning, the storytelling is captivating, along with the message that children can make a meaningful difference.
Each of these books can lead to meaningful class discussions. I love asking questions like:
- How do you think MLK felt when he faced challenges?
- What can we do to treat others fairly in our own lives?
Pairing a read-aloud with reflective questions helps students connect the stories to their world, making MLK’s lessons even more impactful.
Bring History to Life with Readers’ Theater: Partner Packs
If you’re looking for an activity that gets kids excited while building important skills, I’ve got just the thing! My MLK Partner Readers’ Theater is perfect. I created this low prep resource to engage students in a meaningful topic where they can learn together. Every time I use a partner pack, I am always amazed how much students love them!
I love partnering up students with the appropriate leveled text. This partner pack comes with TWO levels, one at a 2nd-3rd grade level and the other at a 4th-5th grade level. One student reads the part of Yolanda Renee King, MLK Jr.’s granddaughter, and the other student reads the part of child who asks Yolanda questions to learn about him. Each leveled text also comes with comprehension questions with 3 multiple choice questions and a short answer written response along with a vocabulary matching activity.
Here’s why it’s a win for the classroom:
- Students work in pairs, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
- The script is engaging and informative, helping students learn about Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and impact while building fluency and comprehension.
- It is super low prep yet is very engaging, exactly what teachers are looking for.
- Includes comprehension questions and a vocabulary matching worksheet to reinforce important words
- Includes a writing extension that requires critical thinking a students imagine they were in the 1960s
Teachers have shared how much their students love the partner format—it’s fun, interactive, and keeps everyone involved.
Get Creative with “I Have a Dream” Activities
After exploring MLK’s life through books and Readers’ Theater, let your students express their own dreams for the world. Here are a few simple, creative ideas:
- Dream Clouds: Have students write or draw their dreams for a kinder, fairer world on cloud cutouts, then display them as a class mural.
- Timeline of Change: Work together to create a timeline of MLK’s life and achievements. This can help students see how small steps lead to big change.
- Acts of Kindness Challenge: Encourage students to perform small acts of kindness throughout the week in honor of MLK’s message.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day offers such a meaningful opportunity to teach our students about compassion, courage, and the power of standing up for what’s right. Whether through thought-provoking read-alouds, engaging activities like Readers’ Theater, or creative projects that inspire empathy and reflection, there are so many ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy in your classroom. I hope these ideas help you plan a day filled with learning and connection. Don’t forget to check out my MLK Partner Readers’ Theater for an engaging and educational way to bring history to life for your students.
