Martin Luther King Jr Lessons and Activities for Kids

Need Martin Luther King Jr lessons for Martin Luther King Jr Day, Black History Month, MLK project ideas, or history lesson plans? Here are ways to teach Martin Luther King to preschoolers through lesson plans middle school.

Learning About MLK

What day is Martin Luther King in 2021?

MLK Day 2021 is on Monday, January 18 2021.

Does MLK Day change every year?

The Martin Luther King Day date changes each year. However, it is always on the third Monday of January each year. It was declared a federal holiday in 1983 to honor Doctor King each year.

What do you do on MLK day with kids?

15 Activities To Do For MLK Day:

 
Affiliate links are used on this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more in our DISCLOSURE.
 

Read books about Martin Luther King, Jr.
Listen (or watch) the I Have A Dream speech
Discuss racism
Participate in local events
Talk about social justice
Do civil rights lessons or a unit study
Volunteer
Discuss discrimination
Complete diversity projects
Visit a museum with civil rights or MLK exhibits
Take virtual field trips to civil rights museums
Learn about the Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial
Do MLK craft projects and Martin Luther King Jr art projects
Watch movies (like this social justice movie for teens) about social justice
Learn about African American history
Host an American Sunday Supper inspired by Reverend Dr. King

Why is it important to learn about Martin Luther King?

Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most important leaders in the civil rights movement. The movement fought for equal rights for everyone. Dr. King had a dream of an American free of racism and segregation. He was also known for supporting protests without using violence.

What was Martin Luther King’s main message?

Martin Luther King Jr’s main message one was one equality and hope. Dr. King’s life work preached:

Civil Equality
Economic Equality
Justice
Freedom
Nonviolence
Love

What lessons can we learn from Martin Luther King Jr?

What can we learn from Martin Luther King?

Help fight poverty
Fight racism
Make your voice heard, especially in non-violent ways
Choose love instead of hate
Do your research before trying to change things
Help to educate others on issues
Help to create a “Beloved Community” with your actions and support

Martin Luther King Jr Day Of Service

MLK Day is often seen as a day of service and volunteering.

Dr King stated, “Everyone can be great because everybody can serve.”

Why is MLK Day a day of service?

MLK Day is said to be “a day on, not a day off” to encourage people to volunteer and help improve their community as a way to honor Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and work in helping others. Americorps, who is charged with leading the Martin Luther King Day of Service, states “this day of service helps to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a ‘Beloved Community.'”

MLK Day of Service Ideas for Kids

As part of your lessons on Martin Luther King Jr, be sure to add some service projects and volunteering ideas:

Volunteer at a homeless shelter
Donate food to a local food bank
Write letters, cards, or color pictures for local nursing homes
Put together “Blessing Bags” of small supplies for the homeless in your community
Raise money for kids in need
Take supplies to a local animal shelter
Put together craft bags for kids in homeless shelters
Donate allowance to a local shelter

ALSO CHECK OUT:

11 Unique Ways Kids Can Help Community From Home

OK!
Now on to the Martin Luther King activities you can use for learning more about this historical figure. These are great to plan your Martin Luther King Jr lesson plan or MLK unit study.