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Resources
Ideas for celebrating Martin Luther King Day! Celebrate his message of unity and diversity with these ideas for individuals, families, and schools:
MindOH! Tip Sheets
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King and Our Nation’s Diversity
MindOH! Lesson Plans
Teach youth about Martin Luther King by sharing his unifying messages through these lesson plans:
Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" Speech
(Grades 6-12)
Dr. King inspired a nation by sharing his dream for freedom and equality for all Americans. Students will see the importance of creating their own dream for the future and will express it in their own "I Have a Dream" speech.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s Notable Quotables
(Grades 7-12) Dr. King was not only a key leader in the march for civil rights, but also he was a great orator who shared wisdom that will resonate for generations. This is a week-long journaling activity that allows students to reflect on the ideals that he shares.
Respect: Walking the Talk
(Grades 7-10) It’s predictable that as long as individuals treat each other disrespectfully, there will be incidents of violence in our homes, schools, and communities. Students use the words of Dr. Martin Luther King to explore the connection between respectful behavior and reduced violence, as well as the economic ramifications.
Help youth to realize the importance of some of the ideals that Martin Luther King promoted with these lesson plans:
Citizenship: We’ve Got the Power (Ideal: Nonviolence)
(Grades 6-12) Although surrounded by social and political injustices that stirred many to anger, Dr. Martin Luther King inspired a generation with his message of nonviolence. Today's young people also witness injustices and can feel powerless in the face of terrorist attacks, gang violence, and school shootings. With this three-part series, students create a small group project that addresses the issue of random acts of violence. They are reminded that there are far more good and caring people in the world than those who wish to do harm to others, and that it takes only one person with one idea to spark a positive force for change.
T.E.A.M.: Together Everyone Achieves More (Ideal: Unity)
(Grades 10-12) Inspire kids with Dr. King's message of unity. Although we are all different, everyone achieves more when we cooperate. By working through a playful activity with imposed restrictions, students will discover the value of cooperating with people who are different, in order to reach a common goal.
What’s the Difference? (Ideal: Diversity)
(Grades 6-9) Some students feel uncomfortable being with others who are different from themselves, but Dr. King showed us that diversity should be nothing to fear. This classroom experience helps students discover that opening their minds to new experiences and ideas will facilitate understanding and respect of others.
Defining Others (Ideal: Tolerance)
(Grades 6-12) Stereotyping allows for no individuality or critical judgment. This classroom activity helps students understand that stereotyping is a sign of disrespect for ht uniqueness and diversity of individuals.
MindOH! Activity Sheets
Kids can use these MindOH! resources for more in-depth practice of Martin Luther King’s messages with these activities:
Thinking it
Through: Racial Slurs
Unfortunately, kids sometimes dislike a person who is of a different race from their own. We know that racial slurs can be powerfully hurtful and kids need to adopt new attitudes for interacting with a diversity of people. This activity helps kids to reflect on the source of their attitude and challenges them to make a change for the betterment of all, including themselves.
Watching My Thoughts: About Someone Different From Me
Youth will use a powerful strategy to show them that learning to get along with someone who is different from them may be a matter of changing the way one thinks about others. Show kids that it is not only important to behave respectfully toward a diversity of people, but also it is important to internalize this attitude, as well.
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