7 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in your classroom

Emily Morrow  //  Jan 11, 2017

7 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in your classroom

This year, we're celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 16. We've rounded up some of our teaching resources to help you start conversations in the classroom around Dr. King's life and legacy!

1. Start with books about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This list of books for grades K-8 is a great starting point for conversations about Dr. King's life and legacy.

2. Introduce books about the Civil Rights movement

Whether it's a child's first introduction to civil rights or a more in-depth exploration, these books for grades K-8 are great jumping-off points for any conversation.

3. Bring history to life with primary sources

Share videos, photos, and news coverage of the 1963 March on Washington, including Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech

4. Use quotes to start conversations

This round-up of powerful quotes from Dr. King provides great conversation starters for your classroom

5. Create an interactive timeline with your students

This lesson plan for grades 3-8 helps make details of Dr. King's life leap off the page

6. Get inspired by other teachers

Find tried-and-true inspiration for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day lessons from fellow teachers here, here, here, and here

7. Download free printables to share with your class

From plays to read aloud to writing prompts, here are seven free Martin Luther King, Jr. Day printables to help guide your lessons