A guide for using our resources

Children will put into practice Dr. King’s philosophy: “The time is always right to do what is right.”

Vocabulary: fairly, kindly, peacefully

Social Studies Focus: history, American heroes

SEL Focus: kindness

  1. Watch a Video:

    Dr. King: A Leader and a Hero

     

  2. Read the Issue:

    Do What Is Right

     

  3. Play a Game:

    Kindness Find It

    Skill: SEL

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets

    Show What You Know

    Skill: comprehension


    Dr. King Timeline

    Skill: reading a timeline

     

  5. Lesson Boosters

  • Paired Text:
    Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

     

  • Vocabulary: 
    peaceful

     

  • Scavenger Hunt: 
    Pages 2-3

     

  • Hands-on Activity: 
    I Have a Dream

     

  • More Extension Ideas From Our Archives: See the digital issue page to get your packet!

     

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.K.1 key details, RI.K.7 use visuals, RI.K.4 vocabulary, W.K.8 writing

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text: Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most powerful speakers in American history. This book brings his words to life for children.

Vocabulary: peaceful

  • Dr. King believed in solving problems peacefully. What do children think peaceful means? Explain that it means calm and quiet.
  • Invite children to apply the word in different contexts, for instance, when was the last time they felt peaceful? What are some peaceful places they enjoy?

Scavenger Hunt: Pages 2-3

  • Use pages 2-3 of the issue to do this scavenger hunt as a group.

1. Find the question mark in each box. Circle it.

2. Find the picture of Dr. King. Put a ✓ on it.

3. Find the heading in each box. Underline it.

4. Look at the photos. Which kids are being kind? How?

Hands-on Activity: I Have a Dream

Skills: writing and drawing

Materials: I Have a Dream skill sheet, pencils, crayons

  • Watch the clip in the digital issue of the “I Have a Dream” speech. Discuss the meaning of the word dream in this context. (It’s a hope, not what you have when you’re asleep.)
  • Talk about Dr. King’s dream for the world: that everyone would be treated fairly. Then discuss dreams children might have for the world, for instance, that every child would have toys or that everyone would get along.
  • Pass out the skill sheets. Have kids write or dictate their dream and draw a picture.
  • Display the finished skill sheets on a bulletin board with the heading “We Have a Dream.” Remind children that Dr. King helped the world, and so can they!