During the beginning of every year we spend time learning about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national holiday that’s observed on the 3rd Monday of January and February is Black History Month (also known as African American History Month). This is the perfect time to dive into a part of history that was often left out when I was in school. I’ve really enjoyed learning along with my kids! Here are some of our favorite Black History Month resources for kids.
I don’t remember learning much about MLK Jr. in school until I transferred to a new school for the 11th grade back in 1993. That was also the first time I heard about Black History Month. Our school was treated to a one-man play about Martin Luther King, Jr. and I STILL get chills when I think about that show. It was incredibly powerful.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Printable
This year my kids will be using my new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. printable along with other resources. We will be enjoying deep dive conversations with the 20 writing prompts and discussion starters. This is one of my favorite parts of homeschooling! Using a literature-rich approach to our homeschool gives us a lot to discuss and explore together.
They’ll also be using the handwriting practice pages with excerpts from his “I Have a Dream” speech and styled notebooking pages for additional handwriting practice and the writing prompts. This printable also includes 5 coloring pages. Snag your copy of it here!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Resources
Even though this isn’t the first time they’ve learned about MLK Jr., they still enjoy coming back to some of their favorite books and videos. Here are some of our top pics –
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr? – This is a wonderful book series for elementary aged kids! We always look to this series to see if they have a book that matches up with a person or place we’re studying.
I Have a Dream (Book and CD) – Picture book plus an audio CD of his most famous speech? Yes, please!
National Geographic Readers: Martin Luther King, Jr. – My kids loved these early readers when they were younger! This level 3 reader is perfect for those early elementary emergent readers.
Here’s a great YouTube video from the History Channel about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. – When my kids are learning about a specific time period, I like to pick out a book or two for just myself. This is a great book for you or perhaps a upper grades student.
Other Books and Resources for Black History Month
The Extraordinary Life of Rosa Parks is part of a new series from Usborne Books & More. Rosa Parks is one of the best known leaders from the Civil Rights Movement, so a book about her is a must for Black History Month or anytime kids are learning about this time period.
The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson – She is one of the key women who worked behind the scenes at NASA as a mathematician and was instrumental in sending the John Glenn into orbit. If you haven’t watch the movie Hidden Figures, put it on your to-do list! My elementary aged kids really enjoy it too.
Before She was Harriet is a beautiful lyrical book about the many names and roles of Harriet Tubman. I Am Harriet Tubman is a wonderful book for young elementary kiddos and, of course, there’s Who Was Harriet Tubman? for the older elementary kids.
Let the Children March – This is a gorgeous picture book that even my older kids enjoy. The story is one in which the children show up to march and make a difference.
Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern-Day U.S.A – This is a great book for elementary aged kiddos or older kids looking for a brief biographies. We love these collection types of books because my kids get to learn a bit about many people and then pick a few that really touched them for further reading.
Bedtime Inspirational Stories: 50 Amazing Black People Who Changed the World – Another book with short biographies that we love! This one also has 50 positive affirmations to recite with your kids.
Learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. and other African Americans who’ve helped bring about change and progress is often a focus for homeschoolers and parents during the beginning of the year with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January and Black History Month in February. However, these books and resources can (and should!) be a part of our learning experience all year long.
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