Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The first day that we observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day was January 20, 1986. This year it will be observed on January 18th. Many schools and businesses take the day off to observe Martin Luther King Jr. and his contribution to the civil rights movement.

“The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. …Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

53 years ago this April Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Even after his death, his words and actions continue to inspire people around the world. How will you be teaching about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. this year? In honor of MLK Day, we’re providing you with some resources to use with your students to commemorate and explore the life of Dr. King:

1. FREE leveled reader download from our 5th grade myWorld Interactive K-8 program. Have your students read, respond, and discuss the various historical events using the graphic organizer and questions at the end of each book.
• Above-Level Leveled Reader: The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Below-Level Leveled Reader: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.
• On-Level Leveled Reader: Martin Luther King, Jr. A Biography
2. Grades 9-12 project from our Project Imagine: US History program. Create a Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement

5 Fun Facts about Martin Luther King, Jr.

1. His birth name was Michael, not Martin.
2. He entered college at the age of 15.
3. He received his doctorate in systematic theology.
4. He was imprisoned nearly 30 times.
5. George Washington is the only other American to have had his birthday observed as a national holiday.