A guide for using our resources

Students will analyze the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and examine what it means to be great.

Vocabulary: interrupt, peaceful, welcome, empathy

Social Studies Focus: heroes

  1. Watch a Video:
    Dr King: A Leader and A Hero

     

  2. Read the Issue:

    "Everyone Can Be Great"

     

  3. Play a Game:
    Design a Poster

    Skill: use visuals

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets 

    Reading Checkpoint

    Skill: key details

     

    You Can Have Empathy

    Skill: vocab/writing

     

    Dr. King's Wise Words

    Skill: writing

     

  5. Lesson Boosters 

  • Paired Text: Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

     

  • Punctuation Hunt: Question Marks and Exclamation Marks

     

  • Practice Peacefulness: Make a List

     

  • Hands-on Activity: I Can Be Great Banner

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.1.1 RI.1.1 key details; RI.1.4 vocabulary; RI.1.5 nonfi ction text features; RI.1.7 use visuals; RI.1.10 informational text; SL.1 participate in conversations

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text: Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier

  • This picture book uses quotes that shaped Dr. King’s life and quotes from his most memorable speeches to paint a picture of his legacy.

Punctuation Hunt: Question Marks and Exclamation Marks

  • Work together to find and circle each question mark in the issue.
  • Then tell students: there are two exclamation marks in the issue. Can they find them both?

Practice Peacefulness: Make a List

  • Remind students that one way to be great is by being peaceful. Ask students to think about ways they calm down. Make a class list.
  • As a class, practice a few ways to calm down: take deep breaths, count to 10, drink a glass of water, or anything else on their list!

Hands-On Activity: I Can Be Great Banner

Skills: writing, social awareness

Materials: I Can Be Great Banner skills sheet, crayons, scissors, hole puncher, yarn or string

  • Students consider how they can be a great part of the class with this community-building activity!
  • Give each child a copy of the skill sheet to fill out. Students can write about how to be great, draw a picture of themselves, and cut out the banner.
  • Punch two holes in each banner and allow students to string their banner through a long piece of yarn.
  • When everyone has added their banner, hang it up for everyone to see what makes your class great!