Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a missionary with his primary goal being equality for all. Teach your kids about this remarkable man with these lesson plan ideas.

Objective

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke out against racial inequalities. He was a leader in civil rights and believed people are created equally no matter the color of their skin. This lesson plan is geared towards younger children to show them the extraordinary life of Dr. King.

Materials

• Newspaper
• Craft scraps such as fabric
• Yarn
• Glue

Fact File

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929.
• He was a leader in civil rights.
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not only a Baptist minister, but was a leading activist as well.
• He delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
• He believed that all men and women should have equal rights.
• Dr. King was assassinated for his beliefs on April 4, 1968.

Activities

Make a Doll

Have your child read a book about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and have her construct a doll. Start by making a simple doll out of rolled newspapers. Roll several pieces together and fold in half. Place a rubber band around the middle. The top will be the head and the bottom two pieces will be the legs. Take another roll and slide it through the folded section above the rubber band. These will be the arms. Give your child scrap fabric, paints and other craft items and have them make a doll that resembles Dr. King.

Paper Chain

Make a paper chain and have your child color each doll a different color. Impress upon your child that Dr. King believed every person was created equally no matter the color of his or her skin.

Crossword Puzzle

Surf Net Kids has a great crossword puzzle relating to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Field Trip Opportunity

The National Civil Rights Museum in Tennessee commemorates Dr. King, along with many other individuals who stood for equal rights among all people. There are many artifacts and displays about the process of the Civil Rights Movement.

Wrap-Up

• A short biography about Dr. King can be found at Nobel Prize.org.
• There are games and printable colors sheets about Dr. King at Primary Games.com.