Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: FREE Classroom Resources!

Why do we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day each year? For educators, the answer probably seems obvious; his contributions to the civil rights movement and the implications of his work are frequently recognized and celebrated. Now, the more important consideration—could your pre-K through 6th grade students answer this same question?

To help you and your youngest learners understand, discuss, and reflect on the great work of this American hero, check out this FREE Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Toolkit from Edmentum. These downloadable resources include critical thinking questions, lesson plans, fact sheets, activities, and a poster specifically created for both lower and upper elementary students.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister as well as a social activist, and one of the most quoted individuals of our time. In recognition of his legacy, take time with your students this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to share and discuss some of his most famous sentiments, including these four moving quotes:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”

Incorporate these quotes into your classroom lessons and download these free resources from Edmentum! Looking for additional fun facts and video clips to share with your students? The History Channel has a great Martin Luther King, Jr. resource library!