When I was a kid, learning about Martin Luther King Jr. looked very different than it does now.
One of my clearest memories is when the big TV cart rolled in and we watched Our Friend, Martin. The lights went off, the room got quiet, and everyone was locked in. As a student, it felt powerful.
I’ve shown that same movie to my own students over the years, and it still sparks interest. But as a teacher, I’ve realized something important.
Watching a video isn’t always enough.
Without meaningful discussion, reading, and hands-on learning, students don’t always walk away truly understanding who Dr. King was, why his work mattered, and how his legacy still impacts their lives today.
That realization is what led me to create my Martin Luther King Jr. classroom resources.
Why This Topic Is Personal to Me
I grew up in Washington, D.C., and some of my favorite childhood memories were visiting the monuments with my family. The Lincoln Memorial. The Jefferson Memorial. Standing on those steps, looking out over the Reflecting Pool.
By the time the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial opened, my family had already moved away. I never experienced it as a child the way I experienced the others.
What I love most about the MLK Memorial is that it’s open and accessible to everyone. That idea of access, equity, and opportunity is something I carry into my classroom every day.
Why Teaching About MLK Jr. Is So Important
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is often viewed as just a day off from school.
But it’s so much more than that.
It’s a national holiday that honors a man who stood up for what he believed in, even when it was uncomfortable and dangerous. Dr. King didn’t just have a dream. He acted. He led. He spoke truth.
When we teach about MLK Jr., we aren’t just teaching history. We’re teaching students about courage, leadership, justice, and using their voice for good.
Those lessons still matter.
Resources That Support Meaningful Learning
I wanted my MLK Jr. resources to go beyond surface-level activities and help students truly engage with his life and legacy.
MLK Jr. Math Resource
Students solve math problems to uncover key facts from Dr. King’s biography. Each correct answer reveals another piece of his story.
This is math with purpose.
MLK Jr. ELA Resource
This resource includes a student-friendly biography, vocabulary activities, writing tasks, and reflection opportunities that encourage students to think deeply and make connections.
Teachers have shared that these resources are engaging, meaningful, and easy to use year after year.
Ways to Bring MLK Learning Into Your Classroom
Whether you’re looking for a simple way to introduce Dr. King’s legacy or a more in-depth cross-curricular experience, there are options to support your classroom goals.
You can start with a ready-to-use resource designed to spark discussion and reflection, or extend the learning with math and ELA activities that integrate Dr. King’s story into your daily instruction.
Each option is designed to help students move beyond facts and toward understanding.
Making MLK Day More Than Just a Day Off
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity.
An opportunity to teach courage.
An opportunity to reflect on history.
An opportunity to help students understand that one voice can make a difference.
My hope is that when students learn about Dr. King, they walk away inspired, not just informed.
Because his impact didn’t end in history books.
It lives on in the lessons we teach today.
— Ashley 💛
