A guide for using our resources

Children will examine the ways Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked for justice.

Vocabulary: justice, marches, respect, speeches

Social Studies Focus: history, American heroes

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most powerful speakers in American history. This book brings his words to life for children.

• Together, watch the clip of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, available in your online issue. Remind kids that Dr. King’s dream was not the kind you have when you go to sleep—it was a hope for a better world. Then celebrate King’s dream of peace and love by singing this song (sing to the tune of “Bingo”).

Dr. King, he had a dream,
He dreamed we’d live in peace,
P-E-A-C-E! P-E-A-C-E! P-E-A-C-E,
He dreamed we’d live in peace.

He taught us fairness and respect,
He said love one another,
L-O-V-E, love! L-O-V-E, love!
L-O-V-E, love,
He said love one another.

• J is for justice! Together, find and circle each j in the issue.

Skill: writing

Materials: Make a Mini Sign skill sheets, pencils, crayons, glue or tape, craft sticks

• Have children make signs, just like the kids in the issue! Make copies of the signs and let each child choose one. To get kids started, brainstorm some topics that they might care about. Try to steer them away from topics like “more dessert” or “extra TV time” and toward more meaningful causes, such as fairness to all kids, healthier school lunches, a cleaner playground, or saving stray animals.
• Then let kids choose their own topic, complete the sentence, and draw a picture to go with it. Some kids may want to write about the more “grownup” topics of today—and that’s great too! If they have the knowledge, they should share the message.
• Finally, let kids glue or tape a large craft stick to the bottom middle of the paper to complete their sign. You can hang the signs outside your classroom to show the whole school what your class cares about!