Overview

TIMEFRAME

ALIGNMENTS 

TEXTS/MATERIALS

COMPELLING QUESTION

SUPPORTING QUESTION(S)

• What was Dr. King’s dream?
• What accomplishments were achieved, and what obstacles were faced by Dr. King?
• How does Dr. King’s legacy impact your life?

LESSON OBJECTIVE 

VOCABULARY

• Analyze Dr. King’s goals for the Civil Rights Movement
• Identify Dr. King’s accomplishments and obstacles during his time as a Civil Rights leader
• Reflect on the impact Dr. King’s legacy has had on their own lives
• Defend their position on whether Dr. King’s dream has been fulfilled

TEACHER BACKGROUND

While Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is arguably the most well-known figure of the Civil Rights Movement, many do not fully comprehend the impact that King has had on the lives of Americans. Although our nation honors his birth with a federal holiday, it is critical that educators elevate Dr. King’s accomplishments to more than a day in January or a mention during Black History Month. Teaching about Dr. King is essential for our students to understand the ongoing struggle for civil rights that still plagues our nation today, and allows educators to honor diversity and explore the values of justice. Providing students the opportunity to read and listen to Dr. King’s words helps them to understand the power of taking informed action.

When educators provide high-quality primary source material and opportunities for students' agency, we can begin to dismantle misconceptions and preconceived notions. Empowering students to conduct investigations, analyze evidence and make claims based on their research elevates learning and critical thinking skills.

Teachers can find additional background support resources as follows:

• Votes for All Men - Constitution Explained | Center for Civic Education
• Civil Rights Movements and Assembly - 60-Second Civics | Center for Civic Education
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Six Principles of Nonviolence - 60-Second Civics | Center for Civic Education
• Martin Luther King, Jr: Crash Course Black American History #36
• Randolph, Rustin, & the Origins of the March on Washington: Crash Course Black American History #32
• The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Crash Course Black American History #35
• The Civil Rights Act of 1964 — Google Arts & Culture

Teachers should note the suggestions for advanced preparation of the lesson activities for Day 3.

This lesson contains material about racism that some students might find offensive or potentially traumatizing. This material has been included to give students a sense of the civil rights era and the obstacles faced by campaigners for civil rights. A culturally responsive classroom will provide a welcoming and safe environment where students feel comfortable discussing difficult topics. Ensure students feel comfortable sharing appropriate personal perspectives. Consider establishing classroom norms that encourage discussion.

SEL FOCUS

ASSESS & AUTHENTICALLY ENGAGE

• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Dr. King’s goals for the Civil Rights Movement by analyzing his “I Have a Dream” speech.
• Students will identify accomplishments achieved and obstacles faced by Dr. King by evaluating specific events in Dr. King’s life.
• Students will reflect on the impact of Dr. King’s legacy on their own lives by creating a connections poster using hexagonal thinking strategies.
• Students will demonstrate their understanding of Dr. King’s dream by reflecting on its impact on their lives. 
• Teachers may assess by using the Inquiry Assessment Rubric.