Introduction:

This lesson uses an oral reading of the life and writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., incorporating a discussion to boost listening skills. Vocabulary words are taken from the "I Have A Dream" speech. The lesson emphasizes the power of words over violence, and the culminating research project promotes awareness of many different individual struggles for equality and respect.

Can anyone tell me about Martin Luther King?
What did he do that made him a person to honor?
Does anyone know why we celebrate his birthday?
What day is his birthday?

Hand out copies of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" Speech.

You may want to read the speech aloud or have the class listen to a recording of the speech. Ask the class to underline each word they hear that is unfamiliar. Explain some of the unfamiliar language with the class and ask them to take the speech home and have their parents talk about what some of the figurative language means. Have the children look up and write a brief definition for each word they underlined.

You can also use the Word Bank for Grade 3 to highlight words that may be unfamiliar.

On the next night have the children read The Story of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. for home work.

As a follow-up, you can give our Martin Luther King Quiz the next day. (Printable PDF file.)

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