Interpreting the Teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sharing Them with Others
Through watching videos of Dr. King's various speeches, seeing the video of the signing of the CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964/ revised 1968, reading famous quotes of Drl King, and pondering songs and writings of other authors on the topic of race relations, students will have a better understanding of personal responsibilities and possibilities; for friendship, citizenship, and for healthy ways of belonging & THRIVING in a multicultural society. Creating student projects will provide the time to thoughtfully ponder the depth of these concepts.
Essential Question
What are some important laws, speeches, writings, artworks, and music that go to the HEART of the matter relating to racial relations in the United States...and what can they teach us?
Grade(s):
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Student Chromebook
Teacher's computer and smartboard
notebook for notes and sketching ideas, writing ideas, rough drafts, for lesson projects
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Please provide an assortment of art materials for students who wish to create a project with visual arts, such as COLORED CONSTRUCTION PAPER, MARKERS, PASTELS, MULTI-CULTURAL CRAYONS, etc.
This project is an excellent one for students working together in a small group[2-3,] and constructing a GROUP PROJECT; however, the GROUP PROJECT may contain several components:
1. A short speech reviewing the changes in society/continuing needs for change
2. This could be followed by an ART EXHIBITION of several drawings, paintings, etc., illustrating ideas of Civil Rights/fair & equal treatment/ the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., etc.
4. A poem composed that highlights some of the ideals of Dr. King, as well as the achievements of those in our nation, and the work that continues to be done.
THE TEACHER MAY WANT THE CLASS TO WATCH VIDEOS TOGETHER AND DISCUSS AS A CLASS, BEFORE GROUPS, FORM TO WORK ON A PROJECT/PRESENTATION.
Lesson Progression
!. Watch each video and discuss as a class
2. Students should make notes on each video/ keywords that are important
3. DISCUSSION: What ideas and phrases that MLK, Jr. spoke about are especially memorable & meaningful to YOU? [Sometimes each of us may feel inferior about something...which of his phrases/words of advice MOVE YOU THE MOST?
4. In groups, plan a short presentation about Dr. King, the CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, etc. It should contain artwork, the spoken word [prose or poetry] or maybe a theatrical scene [ emphasizing the non-violent aspects Dr. King had worked for].
5. Each group member should work on a part that is agreeable to them, and complete their part of the project in a time specified by the teacher.
6 Each group will present their group of projects to the class,
7. Each presentation will END with a sentence strip or poster stating something Dr. King emphasized that the group is thankful for [1 gratitude per each group member].
VOCABULARY / TERMS
:
segregation integration race ethnicity
racism Negro / Black / African- American Caucasian / white
Abraham Lincoln / The Emancipation Proclamation Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1928-1968
civil disobedience peaceful demonstration assassination
THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT of 1964 [updated in 1968], referring to workplaces, public schools, restaurants,
lodgings, and public transportation
SOME FAMOUS QUOTES BY MLK, JR... to discuss, to illustrate, to write about [ & there are MANY MANY more]
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
The time is always right to do what is right.
The means we use must be as pure as the means we seek.
I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
I have decided to love it. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
True peace is not only the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice.
We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.
Teacher Notes
Especially after watching some of the videos which discuss disturbing aspects of our U.S.racial history and incidents, please lead class discussions in an especially kind and sensitive way.
MLK JR. DAY
More thought-provoking quotes from MLK JR.- simple scrapbooking paper poster
View ResourceMLK QUOTES 2
Showing how to use quotes- scrapbooking paper and construction paper for variety
View ResourceUNLIKELY FRIENDS
This is a wonderful book that can teach "us humans" that, if we just spend time with each other and give friendship a chance, we can benefit greatly.
View ResourceMLK Jr. - Simple portraits
Even though my drawing doesn't look EXACTLY like Dr. King, it was fun to try...and gave me the time to really look at pictures of him, trying to copy his face. Add quotes to get the full benefit
View ResourceHOLIDAYS - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Annual Day of Recognition, Remembrance
This is a very short animated film notating facts about Dr. King and his accomplishments. Even though it may be aimed at younger students, the STYLE of presentation should be noted by students, as it makes an " introductory lesson" to a famous person brief and interesting.
View ResourceTop 10 Most Powerful Quotes By Martin Luther King, Jr.
These quotes are shown with photos of the Rev. Dr. King, shown in the many episodes of his leadership for passing the CIVIL RIGHTS ACT, which guaranteed black citizens equal treatment under the law [ie., no segregation...but instead INTEGRATION of restaurants, motels/hotels, schools, workplaces].
View ResourcePaul McCartney and Stevie Wonder/ EBONY AND IVORY
Piano keys used to be made of ebony wood [the black keys] and real ivory [the white keys]. Paul McCartney wrote this popular and meaningful tune, and asked STEVIE WONDER to perform with him to illustrate how "people are people"...and it's not the COLOR that enhances OR prevents friendship between individuals...it's about being open and available to see get to know the individuals involved
View ResourceTO SIR WITH LOVE II
This short clip is from the film TO SIR WITH LOVE, starring actor Sidney Poitier. This black teacher is hired by a London high school, and sees the problems of racism running throughout the school, just like these problems exist in the United States and society at large. After a heated classroom argument between white and black students, the teacher applaudes a black student's ability to "lead" by using logical, well-spoken arguments to make his point.
View ResourceWhat is your Life's Blueprint?
In this film, Dr. King is addressing the student body of a junior high school. He is specifying traits and attitudes to develop in order to develop into a proud and valuable member of society. He continues to mention "a blueprint" of your life...what is a "blueprint?" DISCUSS BEFORE THE FILM.
View ResourceTHE HISTORY CHANNEL: Dr. Martin Luther King's "I HAVE A DREAM" Speech
This is an excellent brief history of some problems leading to the Civil Rights Movement [economic and political inequaliies for African-American citizens], and the preacher from Alabama who stepped into a leadership role, finally speaking on a "national stage" at a rally in Washington, DC. His speech highlighted his oratorical talents, by utilizing his skils as a preacher and a writer to construct a moving and convincing argument for justice.
View ResourceYOUTUBE: Martin Luther King, Jr. - Day of Service Video
President Obama delivers this speech [several years ago ] to ask citizens to volunteer and give service to their communities, honoring the memory and sacrifices of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a short and excellent video reminder about why we celebrate Dr. King with a national holiday.
View ResourceCIVIL RIGHTS ACT of 1964....revised to be ...CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1968- BILL SIGNING
President Lyndon B. Johnson elaborates upon signing the FINAL version of the Civil Rights Act of 1968...a bill, in it's final form, that guarantees all citizens:
1.the right to vote 2.the right to seek a job in any workplace 3. the right to eat or have lodging in any establishment 4. the right to fair housing. 5. the right to attend schools that are not segregated
Standards
- 8-7 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the impact on South Carolina of significant events of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
- USG-4 The student will demonstrate an understanding of civil rights and civil liberties, the role of American citizens in the American political system, and distinctive expressions of American political culture.
- RI.LCS.10 Analyze and provide evidence of how the author’s choice of purpose or perspective shapes content, meaning, and style.
- Grade 2: Read irregularly spelled two-syllable words and words with common prefixes and suffixes.
- RI.MC.6 Summarize key details and ideas to support analysis of central ideas.
- C Communication
- C Communication
Assessments
Each group will present a project with a component written or produced by each group member, and discuss [at the end] the important lessons learned about the difficulties and rewards about making major social changes within a large group, especially an entire nation.
* Each group member will create and explain a separate poem, drawing, chart, essay, etc.
*Someone may want to write a favorite quote by MLK Jr. and illustrate it.
* The group as a unit will choose 2-3 of their favorite quotes of Dr. King....as a "wrap up" ending to their presentation, These "favorite quotes" must be written on a sentence strip or large paper for the entire class to see /read.