Teaching about Martin Luther King in kindergarten can be a heavy task. For many of the students this is their first time learning about his life, and in turn, learning about the cruelty that exists in this world.
The emotionally charged conversations that occur in the classroom surrounding his life and achievements are so important. As teachers, the work we do to develop decent and loving hearts within our students is just as important as the work we do academically.
Learning from leaders such as Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Cesar Chavez, and others, help students envision how their voices can be heard and how they can stand up for others in peaceful yet powerful ways.
Below I will list my favorite kindergarten-appropriate MLK resources. At the end of the post, you can find a timeline activity to use with your students to help them conceptualize his life.
Books about Martin Luther King
- National Geographic Kids – Martin Luther King Jr. – I love all of the historical photos in this book. This one was a favorite of my students to look through.
- I am Martin Luther King, Jr. – This one has a more comic book feel to it. It’s a little longer so I would space it out over 2 days for kindergarten.
- Happy Birthday Martin Luther King – Good length for kindergarten that provides the basics of his life and achievements.
- Martin’s Big Words – A must-have for every classroom! A very powerful description of the fight for equal rights. This book has always sparked some wonderful conversations in my classroom.
Looking to add more great social studies books to your classroom library? Click on the link below:
Social Studies Book Recommendations
Videos about Martin Luther King
Introducing elementary school students to the profound legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. often involves engaging visual resources that bring his life and message to vivid reality. Videos serve as powerful tools, captivating young minds while conveying the importance of King’s teachings on equality, justice, and compassion.
Through carefully curated footage, students can journey through key moments of the Civil Rights Movement, gaining insights into King’s leadership and the struggles for racial equality. These videos not only educate but also inspire empathy and critical thinking, fostering a deeper understanding of history and the ongoing pursuit of social justice.
Below are some recommended videos that can serve as invaluable resources in teaching about Martin Luther King Jr. to elementary school students.
Our Friend, Martin – A little dated, but still a classic!
The Story of Martin Luther King by Kid President
Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. Activities
Introducing elementary school students to the profound legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. often involves activities that allow them to connect with his message on a personal level. Engaging in hands-on projects and thoughtful discussions can help students grasp the significance of King’s work and its relevance to their own lives.
These activities encourage creativity, critical thinking, and empathy, empowering students to become agents of positive change in their communities. By exploring themes of equality, justice, and compassion through various mediums, students can develop a deeper appreciation for the values championed by Martin Luther King Jr. Below are some recommended activities that provide meaningful opportunities for students to learn about and honor the legacy of this iconic civil rights leader.
To help students visualize Martin Luther King’s life and accomplishments I created a timeline that you can use with your students. Just click on the link below to access the resource:
The Life of Martin Luther King
Are you looking for engaging social studies material perfectly leveled for kindergarten? Check out my Interactive Social Studies Journal with the link below!
Kindergarten Social Studies Interactive Journal
