How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day with Your Pupils

On the 18th January we celebrate an incredible man with Martin Luther King Jr Day. Here at One Day we love to share amazing historic figures and help you find fun and creative ways for your class to learn about them.

Who is Martin Luther King Jr?

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Martin Luther King Jr was a Baptist Minster who led the civil rights movement in the United States throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His peaceful social activism was crucial in ending racial segregation in the USA. He was just 35 years old when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which at the time made him the youngest man to have ever received it – wowza!

In August 1963, King led a march in Washington D.C. In front of the Lincoln Memorial, he delivered his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech to around 250,000 people. Can you imagine a crowd that big? Later that month, a law was passed allowing all African Americans the right to vote.

Martin Luther King Jr’s work was life-changing – world-changing, even! That’s why we wanted to shout about his celebration day this year, and make sure as many young people as possible learn about this inspirational man and his dream that he fought to make reality. You can find out some more Martin Luther King Jr facts here.

How can you celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day?

There are so many fun, interactive activities you can do with children to engage them with this iconic figure. Some of our favourites are:

• ‘I Have a Dream!’ – Read aloud a section of King’s famous I Have A Dream speech. Can the children write their own speech about what they dream for the future?
• Now for some acting! Have a go performing your speech – imagine how it might feel speaking to thousands of people and remember to use emphasis to bring your dream to life!
• Martin Luther King Jr was (and continues to be) a hero for so many people. Can your class write a short story about one of their personal heroes?

Written by Sarah Baumann