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Summary and Objective
In this lesson students will understand that Martin Luther King had a dream of a world free of hate, prejudice, and violence. The class will study the "I have a dream speech," and learn why we celebrate Martin Luther King's Birthday Day. Students will have the opportunity to read the “Teeny Tiny Book" and some newspaper articles on Dr. King. They can use the facts they learn in their own small books or slide presentation. Students will be familiar with some of the events that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement. This lesson is important because it will help students understand the events of the past, develop a historical perspective about those events and learn that Dr. King’s movement was non-violent.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Begin by posing the question, "Who was Dr. Martin Luther King and how did he fight for civil rights"? On the board, write down any and all information given by the students about Martin Luther King Jr. Next, ask why do we have a holiday on his birthday?
Step 2.
You can click on the displayed images or find them on the American Centuries site. Read the following articles: 1) "I Have A Dream" excerpts from "King's 'Dream' Speech in 1963 (Urged Full Rights for Negroes). 2) Leaders of March Still Have Not Attained Goal. 3) Gun Controls. 4) Black Tragedy. and 5) And White as Well. The students can be divided into groups and each group can review one of the articles and write down a few interesting facts to share with their classmates.
Step 3.
Introduce the words "discriminate" and "prejudice" by putting them on the board. Ask the learners if they have ever been afraid of someone the first time they saw the person because this person was different in some way. Talk about prejudging someone who is fat or wears different clothes. You can click on the Teaching Tolerance website for materials. Go to www.teachingtolerance.org.
Step 4.
Students should create a web and write down 6 - 8 interesting facts that they found on Dr. King, civil rights, and non-violence.
http://www.educationoasis.com/curriculum/GO/character_story.htm
Step 5.
Using paper and pencil, students should create their own “Small Book" or slide presentation, with a title page and some pictures. This can be created using PowerPoint, Word, or paper and pencil.
Step 6.
Students will share their books or slide show with their classmates.
Step 7.
As a class, the teacher will have a brief discussion about nonviolence as a means of resolving conflict and how this related to Dr. King's movement. The teacher will explain how MLK Jr. spoke out for civil rights and led non-violent protests and marches demanding fair laws for ALL PEOPLE.
Step 8.
Extension Activity:
Have students watch the video/CD “Our Friend Martin”. This can be purchased on-line for under $10.00.
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