Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Biography Project & Activities - MLK Day ELA Packet

Build an ELA packet with activities that celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr! Kids read a three-page biography, make a timeline, identify causes and effects, and interpret famous quotes.

Open the preview to take a closer look at the projects.

First, kids read a three-page informational text. It chronicles the life of MLK from 1929 to 1968:

• Early life
• Education
• Marriage
• Career as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
• Involvement in the NAACP
• Role in Montgomery Bus Boycott
• Formation of Southern Christian Leadership Conference
• Inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi (nonviolent civil disobedience)
• Sit-in movement
• “I Have a Dream” speech
• Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Nobel Peace Prize
• Selma to Montgomery March
• Assassination
• Birthday made a national holiday – third Monday of each year

Second, students organize the events on a timeline. They can cut and paste or write events from a second sheet.

Third, they match causes and effects from Dr. King’s life. Not only do they practice an important ELA skill, kids also think more deeply about relationships between historical events.

Fourth, students interpret some of his most famous quotes. Two options are available: (1) read and interpret quotes independently or (2) discuss one quote in a small group and report back to the class.

Additional projects extend celebration of MLK’s life:

• Themed writing paper lets you assign the writing activity of your choice. For example, students can write letters to Dr. King or tell how he has changed their lives.
• For Martin Luther King Day, kids can write their own messages in foldable birthday cards. A printable poster is also included.

Files include everything you need:

• Lesson plans
• 3-page biography
• Timeline activity
• Cause-effect worksheet
• Famous quotes project (independent or small group)
• Themed writing paper
• Birthday poster and card
• Answer keys

Resources can be used in a variety of ways.

• Whole class nonfiction activities
• Independent work packet
• Small group work, remediation, or tutoring
• Homework
• Sub plans
• Homeschool

Printable and digital versions of each worksheet are included.

• A PDF provides a traditional pencil and paper option.
• Easel Activities offer digital versions. (You can go paperless!)

Your fourth, fifth, or sixth grade students can use these projects for Martin Luther King Day, Civil Rights Day, Black History Month, or anytime.

Enjoy teaching!

Brenda Kovich