Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities + Freebies!
Some years ago, I (Joyce) started the New Year in my classroom with a unit on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as I did every year.
I taught my first graders the Freedom, Freedom song, along with a complete unit of activities on the life of Dr. King. See link below.
Throughout January, we sang that song when lining up, moving to the carpet, and before and after recess. Students would even break out in song at random times throughout the day. They love this song!
We discussed words like freedom, peace, and what fairness is, using simple but relatable terms.
One morning, I read aloud a picture book on Dr. King to my students while they sat on the carpet. At the end of the book, it briefly mentioned that a bad man killed Martin.
The class was wide-eyed and still. They had a lot of questions: “Who would do that?” “Why?”
And I will never forget one quiet, but very thoughtful first grader.
She rose up onto her knees and, with teary eyes, spontaneously started singing the Freedom song we had been practicing for a week or so.
And the class joined in singing with her.
I have to say that was one of the most powerful moments in the classroom for me.
They recognized injustice and inequality.
They were demonstrating peacefully and showing kindness.
They were showing courage.
They understood Dr. King’s message.
And I was so proud!
“This was an excellent resource!! It was differentiated and had many activities to pick from!! It was perfect for my students!!”
-Rachel H.
“Great simple resources for MLK and Rosa Parks. My students enjoyed the bus craft for Rosa Parks.”
-Maritza F.
“My students loved using this resource (collaborative poster). I did not think it was going to be as easy for kindergarten like it was for second grade but the kids did great and they were very involved with putting it together.”
-Mayra M
Please note. When sensitive, emotional moments like this happen in the classroom, we feel it is important to contact the child’s parents so that discussions can continue at home.
Looking for more activities for Black History Month?
Thanks For Stopping By & Follow Us for Weekly Freebies!
