MLK Jr. Lesson in Kindergarten

MLK Jr. Lesson for Kindergarteners

It is typical in Kindergarten to teach about the US Holiday, and that includes teaching about MLK Jr. Let’s talk about books, activities, and lesson plans to teach MLK Jr. Lesson for Kindergarteners to understand. And yes this can be used for a 1st grade Martin Luther King Jr lesson, too.

Use Great Books on Martin Luther King, Jr.

First, let me share that we read several nonfiction books about MLK Jr to help my kids learn about Dr. King as a famous man who gave speeches and he helped people. We talk about specifics and highlight so many of his great qualities.

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It is important that we do not skip the historical elements and factual information surrounding an MLK Jr. Lesson in Kindergarten, instead, we should teach using as much good content as we can.

Expand Beyond Books

Additionally, I have found that some students don’t get what Dr. King actually did for everyone! Sometimes older pictures in books make the situation feel like it was too long ago to be relevant now. I found a way to do more than just teach the person, the actual message of Dr. King is about EQUALITY.

We use the classic Dr. Seuss book, The Sneetches. This book shows what is it like to judge people based on their outward appearance and how hurtful and harmful it is. In this book, The Sneetches are judged by whether they have green stars on their bellies.

MLK JR. Reader

Then, I also made a new MLK Jr. Day reader. What a fun and interactive way to learn about MLK Jr. Lesson in Kindergarten. This is a duel book. One is a standard reader. The other is identical, but it has QR CODES with audio files so your little ones can listen to the book being read.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/QR-Scan-Learn-MLK-Jr-Book-1655882

This pack is a win-win. If you don’t use technology, you can still use this pack. If you WANT to use technology but you are scared, you can try having an automatic backup. And if you know how awesome QR codes are and love them like me, then you will be excited to get your hands on this pack too. There is even a test code on the cover for you to try before you buy. Grab your MLK Jr. Book here.

MLK Jr. Printables

Next, we created this printable resource for teachers to use to talk specifically about MLK Jr. Lesson in Kindergarten and his impact on this country. You can grab charts, pocket chart activities, and printable.
Check out more here.
Grab this unit here on TpT.
Grab this unit here on SK’s Online Store.

Comments

Jeannie says

January 13, 2012 at 3:03 am

love this idea – never read this book, but I will now! You are totally right about teaching kinders about MLK –so hard.

I read the book " The Crayon Box that Talked" (colors don't like each other just because of their color being different). And then I relate that to the way things used to be. It is a good intro. But I want to try this activity as well!
Thanks!

~jeannie~
http://www.kindergartenlifestyle.blogspot.com

Brian H says

January 14, 2012 at 12:24 am

Love the star idea!

Terri says

January 17, 2012 at 3:59 am

What a great idea to read the Sneetches for MLK. I am going to steal that idea and do that tomorrow. Thanks!!

I think the story of the sneetches will flow right into the demo of the white and brown eggs. Isn't it great that our kids don't really understand the significance of what Martin Luther King did? Working and living together just seems so normal to them.

Terri Izatt

Abbey says

January 9, 2016 at 6:59 pm

I really like this idea. I think it is something my class could really use and relate to this year. Thank you for the great idea.

Deborah Scruggs says

January 12, 2016 at 7:50 am

I love this idea. I have never thought of using this book with MLK. Thanks for new ideas.

Deborah Scruggs says

January 12, 2016 at 7:52 am

I love using Dr. Seuss to teach about MLK.