5+ Videos for Kids on How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of MLK Day, I decided to share with you some really great video tutorials for kids on how to draw Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.. Art is always a fun way to learn about historical figures, especially if you can't make a trip to the library for biographies or don't have any other resources to study someone. Below are several videos for drawing the famous civil rights activist. And I tried to include ones for different ages and skill levels.

This post contains affiliate links.

Gather Your Art Supplies

Before you get started, first decide on the video tutorial you'll be using. Then go ahead and get all your art supplies together. Here are some of the supplies used in the following art lessons.

• Blick Studio Drawing Pads OR
• Canson XL Watercolor Pads
  
  
• Drawing Pencil Set
• Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers
  
  
• Watercolor set (this one is by artPOP!)
• Paint brushes
• Markers (Crayola or artist)
• crayons

How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr. Videos

Art for Kids Hub is one of my favorite drawing-for-kids channels. They have this video tutorial for How To Draw Cartoon Martin Luther King Jr.:

BONUS! You may also enjoy their drawing lesson for How To Draw I Have A Dream:

I love Making Art with Ms. B's directed drawing video because it's a different presentation of Dr. King - SO creative!

Art Projects for Kids has this simple and fabulous video lesson for drawing Dr. King:

Older students may enjoy this How to Draw Martin Luther King EASY - Step by Step for KIDS w/ Background from Mr. Schuette 's - ART CLASS:

And I really love this easy tutorial from Deep Space Sparkle that uses sharpie markers and watercolors for making a Martin Luther King Jr. Portrait:

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary for Families
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Writing Activity
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Quote Analysis Mini-Lesson
  
  
• Racial Justice & Equity Glossary Packet
  
  
• Teach for Justice Lesson Plans

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Print-and-Go Activities for MLK Day

 

This coming Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Are you looking for resources that are no-prep to share with your children or students? MommyMaestra has you covered!

Consider one of my bilingual print-and-go activities for your classroom. I have a variety of activities for different ages. The most popular one is my Triptych Writing Activity, shown above. In this writing triptych, kids read a short passage about Martin Luther King, Jr. and read some quotes from his famous speech. They can color it, and draw or paste a picture of themselves on one of the folds of the triptych. Then they can think about the quotes and write a few words (short paragraph) sharing their own hopes for this country.

Here are a few other downloads that may interest you:

Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Activity

grades 3rd - 6th

This simple activity allows students to write their own ending to Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech. They simply color in the base sheet and write in their ending, before coloring in and attaching a flap-style poster to the top.

Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Coloring Activity
for PreK - 1st (FREE!)

A simple color-by-number activity for introducing Martin Luther King, Jr. to younger children in preschool and lower elementary.

A Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary

grades 4th - 8th

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this easy, no-prep, printable poster and glossary! Available in full color or black-and-white, you can decorate your classroom or have your students color in the poster and read the glossary which features words related to Dr. King.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Quote Analysis

grades 7th - 10th

Teach and develop your students' ability to analyze and interpret text in a social justice context.

This file contains one lesson plan for teaching quote analysis, grading rubric, and 26 worksheets - 25 with different different quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and one blank to allow students to choose their own quotes.

Includes links to online reading and video resources to introduce Dr. King, as well as suggested links for online sites with King's quotes.

Martin Luther King Jr. Quote Analysis Mini-Lesson

 

Looking for ways to teach social justice and critical thinking? This Martin Luther King Jr. quote analysis mini-lesson is perfect for parents and teachers seeking to inspire meaningful discussions and develop students' analytical skills. Dive into Dr. King’s words to foster hope, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for civil rights.

This post uses affiliate links. 

Teaching Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy Through Quote Analysis

Honestly, I think teaching our children Dr. King's message is just as important today as it was 60 years ago. As I was reading his words and researching quotes, I was struck by just how relevant his words are during difficult times for our country.

His words give hope. And encouragement. And understanding.

Since text analysis and interpretation is a critical part of most language arts curricula, I decided to create this minilesson for my oldest son in 9th grade. We'll be discussing what a quote analysis consists of, and then he'll be using the worksheets to analyze quotes from Dr. King. 

Why Dr. King's Words Matter Today

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s messages of equality, justice, and hope are as relevant today as they were six decades ago. His quotes offer profound insights into the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement while encouraging reflection on today’s societal challenges. By analyzing his words, students can connect historical lessons to current events, fostering empathy and critical thinking.

What’s Included in the Mini-Lesson

This mini-lesson includes:

• A detailed lesson plan for teaching quote analysis.
• A grading rubric to assess student work.
• 26 worksheets featuring different quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., plus a blank worksheet for students to analyze their chosen quotes. (NOTE: Students should not be restricted to the quotes in this packet by any means.)
• Links to online resources, including readings and videos introducing Dr. King and his impact.
• Worksheets available in both English and Spanish.

Whether used as a classroom activity or at home, this resource helps students develop analytical and interpretive skills within a social justice framework.

If you'd like to use them with your older children, I have listed this packet in my TpT shop.

How Parents Can Use This at Home

Parents can use this mini-lesson to engage their children in discussions about social justice and history. Here are some ideas:

• Family Discussion Night: Choose a quote and analyze its meaning together. Discuss how the quote relates to modern-day events.
  
  
• Journaling Activity: Encourage your child to write a journal entry reflecting on how Dr. King’s words inspire them personally.
  
  
• Creative Project: Have your child create a poster or digital graphic featuring their favorite quote and its interpretation.

These activities not only foster critical thinking but also provide an opportunity for families to bond over important historical lessons.

How Teachers Can Use This in the Classroom

Teachers can incorporate this mini-lesson into their language arts or social studies curriculum in various ways:

• Classroom Discussion: Use the worksheets as a springboard for group discussions on civil rights and their relevance today.
  
  
• Writing Assignments: Assign students to write an essay or create a presentation analyzing one of Dr. King’s quotes.
  
  
• Interdisciplinary Learning: Pair the lesson with a history unit on the civil rights movement, highlighting how Dr. King’s words influenced change.

The included grading rubric simplifies assessment, while the bilingual worksheets ensure accessibility for diverse classrooms.

Recommended High School Books to Complement This Lesson

Enhance your students' understanding of Dr. King’s legacy with these powerful books:

• "Strength to Love" by Martin Luther King Jr.
  A collection of Dr. King’s sermons that emphasize his belief in nonviolent resistance and love.
  
  
• "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches" by Martin Luther King (Author), James M. Washington (editor)
  Martin Luther King, Jr.'s essential thoughts on nonviolence, social policy, integration, black nationalism, the ethics of love and hope, and more.
  
  
• "The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr." edited by Clayborne Carson
  This comprehensive autobiography provides a deeper understanding of Dr. King’s life and philosophy.

I also highly recommend the following audiobook:

• "Speeches by Martin Luther King Jr.: The Ultimate Collection" by Martin Luther King Jr. (Narrator), Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Where to Find the Mini-Lesson

This mini-lesson is available in my TpT shop, where you can explore additional resources for teaching Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. All materials are designed to make learning engaging and impactful for students.

Don’t forget to check out the full list of my Martin Luther King Jr. printables here.

By using this mini-lesson, you’re not only helping students develop critical skills but also inspiring them to carry forward Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice.

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary for Families
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Writing Activity
  
  
• Racial Justice & Equity Glossary Packet
  
  
• 5+ Videos for Kids on How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr.
  
  
• Teach for Justice Lesson Plans
  
  

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter!

Printable Activities for Martin Luther King, Jr Day

I don't know what this coming weekend before the inauguration holds. All I know is that this year has started in such a way that the words of Martin Luther King, Jr ring in my ears...

“Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”

and...

“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.”

There's a lot of hate and anger in this country right now. And a lot of misinformation or outright lies. 

The only way I know to combat all of this is by focusing on our children. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."

So what better way to start, than with Martin Luther King, Jr. himself? Here is a list (in order of target age) of my printable activities for learning about the activist and civil rights movement leader.

Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Coloring Activity

FREE! A simple color-by-number activity for introducing Martin Luther King, Jr. to younger children in preschool and lower elementary.

Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Triptych Activity

In this writing triptych, kids can read a little bit about Martin Luther King, Jr. and read some quotes from his famous speech. They can color it, and draw or paste a picture of themselves on one of the folds of the triptych. Then they can think about the quotes and write a few words (short paragraph) sharing their own hopes for this country.

Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Activity

This simple activity allows students to write their own ending to Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech. They simply color in the base sheet and write in their ending, before coloring in and attaching a flap-style poster to the top.

A Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this easy, noprep, printable poster and glossary! Available in full color or black-and-white, you can decorate your classroom or have your students color in the poster and read the glossary which features words related to Dr. King.

Bilingual Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities BUNDLE

SAVE! When you purchase my MLK BUNDLE!

Bilingual Martin Luther King Jr. Resources

Over the years, I've created a few different printables to help teach my kids about Martin Luther King, Jr. And since MLK Day is coming up on Monday, January 21st, I wanted to be sure to share them with you in case you are looking for fast, easy printables to share with your kids.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Color-by-Number Activity

For little ones, here's a fun activity. All you need is crayons or markers! I would first read one of the many wonderful MLK books available. Here's a list of my five favorites that I shared on Mom.me.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Triptych Activity

In this writing triptych, kids can read a little bit about Martin Luther King, Jr. and read some quotes from his famous speech. They can color it, and draw or paste a picture of themselves on one of the folds of the triptych. Then they can think about the quotes and write a few words (short paragraph) sharing their own hopes for this country.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Activity

This simple activity allows students to write their own ending to Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech. They simply color in the base sheet and write in their ending, before coloring in and attaching a flap-style poster to the top. Available in English or Spanish.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Glossary for Families

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this easy, no-prep, printable poster and glossary! Available in full color or black-and-white, you can decorate your classroom or have your students color in the poster and read the glossary which features words related to Dr. King. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Bilingual BUNDLE - NEW!

Love them all? Then SAVE when you purchase the BUNDLE!

Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary for Families

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! 

In honor of the great Dr. King, I have created this printable Martin Luther King Jr. poster and glossary of words associated with the American hero. His words are just as important today as they were back when he was alive and especially on August 28, 1968, when he delivered his famous speech.

Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary for Families

Decorate your classroom or refrigerator with these colorful posters, or print the black-and-white versions and have your child color them in. All of the words chosen for the glossary are closely associated with the civil rights activist. 

And this packet has been updated to include a definition worksheet and writing page to extend the learning.

Visit my TpT shop to download your copy today.

How to Use my Glossaries

My glossary packs are a great way to introduce children to historical figures while expanding their vocabulary at the same time. I recommend pairing them with a good children's biography. Some great ones about the great Dr. King can be found in my article, 5 Books to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., which I wrote for Mom.com.

Once your students have learned about the topic of my glossaries, read the vocabulary words together and discuss their definitions. Then you might share the definition worksheet(s) with your students and have them define each term. Allowing them to reference the glossary is optional.

Lastly, have your students write a one-page essay about the historical figure (in this case, Dr. King) and encourage them to use as many of the vocabulary words as they can. Older students using the more advanced glossaries can certainly write more extensive essays.

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Racial Justice & Equity Glossary Packet
  
  
• Susan B. Anthony Glossary for Families
  
  
• Teach for Justice Lesson Plans
  
  
• 5+ Videos for Kids on How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr.

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter!

Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Triptych Activity {Bilingual}

Looking for meaningful ways to engage children in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day? This writing triptych activity inspires students to reflect on Dr. King’s vision while developing their writing and critical thinking skills.

Inspiring Students on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Creative Writing Activities

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's speech has been on my mind a lot the last few weeks. Last year, I created a writing activity for children in upper elementary/lower middle school. And earlier this week I shared a free, simple color-by-number activity for introducing Martin Luther King, Jr. to younger children in preschool and lower elementary.

Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Triptych Activity

But I have one more printable I want to share. It is designed to make children think about what they would like to see happen in our country. In this writing triptych, kids can read a little bit about Martin Luther King, Jr. and read some quotes from his famous speech. They can color it, and draw or paste a picture of themselves on one of the folds of the triptych. Then they can think about the quotes and write a few words (short paragraph) sharing their own hopes for this country.

This printable activity encourages students to think deeply about their own hopes and dreams for the country. Designed for upper elementary and lower middle school students, it offers a creative way to explore Dr. King’s powerful message.

What’s Included:

• A brief introduction to Martin Luther King Jr.
  
• Inspiring quotes from Dr. King’s "I Have a Dream" speech.
  
• Space for students to color and personalize the triptych by drawing or pasting a picture of themselves.
  
• A writing prompt encouraging students to reflect on the quotes and share their own vision for the country in a short paragraph.

Available in both English and Spanish, this activity is perfect for classrooms and at-home learning.

How Parents Can Use This at Home

Parents can use the writing triptych to spark thoughtful conversations and promote creativity:

• Story Time Connection: Start by reading a book about Martin Luther King Jr. to provide context and inspiration.
  
  
• Personal Reflection: Encourage your child to discuss their thoughts on the quotes and write about their own dreams for a better future.
  
  
• Art Integration: Let your child add vibrant colors and personal touches to the triptych, making the activity both educational and fun.

These activities help children connect with Dr. King’s message while fostering family discussions on important values.

How Teachers Can Use This in the Classroom

Teachers can integrate this activity into language arts or social studies lessons:

• Classroom Discussions: Use the quotes as discussion starters to explore themes of equality, justice, and hope.
  
  
• Group Projects: Have students present their completed triptychs to the class, sharing their reflections and hopes.
  
  
• Cross-Curricular Learning: Combine the activity with a history lesson on the civil rights movement or a study of persuasive speeches.

The activity’s bilingual format ensures accessibility for diverse classrooms, making it a valuable resource for celebrating MLK Day.

Other MLK Resources

I would recommend that you pair this activity with one of the books from my list of 5 Books to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Read the book(s) first and then hand out the activity and give your student(s) time to complete it.

The activity is available in English and Spanish and you can find it here in my TpT store.

Enjoy!

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary for Families
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Writing Activity
  
  
• Racial Justice & Equity Glossary Packet
  
  
• 5+ Videos for Kids on How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr.
  
  
• Teach for Justice Lesson Plans
  
  

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter!

Martin Luther King Jr. Coloring Activity

Next Monday, we'll be celebrating the life of a man who fought valiantly for civil rights in a time of great upheaval. Despite the threats to his life, Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke up for the freedoms and equality of all people.

Now more than ever, we as a country need to remember those beautiful words that King spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial when he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. We must strive for a world in which all people are treated with respect and all children are appreciated for their unique qualities. We must reject actions and laws that discriminate or foster violence and hostility. And we must establish a country in which people are not judged based on their skin color, but by their actions alone.

Last year, I shared a writing activity for children in upper elementary/lower middle school. Based on King's speech, it only takes 20 - 30 minutes to complete and helps students to think about the question: What would make the world a better place?

This year, I have a simple color-by-number activity for introducing Martin Luther King, Jr. to younger children in preschool and lower elementary.

It's bilingual and it's free. Enjoy!

Click here to download

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary for Families
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Writing Activity
  
  
• Racial Justice & Equity Glossary Packet
  
  
• 5+ Videos for Kids on How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr.
  
  
• Teach for Justice Lesson Plans
  
  

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter!

Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Writing Activity

Parents and teachers! Use this bilingual Martin Luther King Jr. writing activity to help students in 3rd - 6th grades reflect on equality, peace, and building a better world.

This simple yet impactful activity is an age-appropriate resource to help children reflect on Dr. King’s vision, words, and life. It's perfect for both classrooms and at-home learning. 

On MLK Day, our nation celebrates the values of equality and peace with a national holiday. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity for us to discuss the actions of this historic civil rights leader, and how they affect us today. One way to do this in the classroom is with my Martin Luther King Jr. bilingual writing activity.

Martin Luther King Jr. Bilingual Writing Activity

If you're looking for a fun little activity to do with your children, check out my bilingual writing activity on TeachersPayTeachers. It only takes 20 - 30 minutes to complete and helps students to think about the question: What would make the world a better place? My kids enjoyed doing this activity this morning.

The activity is available in English and Spanish.

How it Works

Begin by printing the writing page of your choice. Ask your students to think about the question: What would make the world a better place? Then ask them to write their answers in the lined space provided. Encourage them to use a complete sentence.

Next, print the cover flaps. Have students color in the original writing page and the cover flaps, then cut out the signs. Make sure the do one vertical cut down the middle to make the flaps. Apply glue to the back edges as indicated on the page and attach the flaps over their writing section on the original writing page. 

Allow to dry and it's done!

Supplemental Activities and Resources

For picture books to share with your children before or after the writing assignment, take a look at my list of 5 Books to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. There are tons on the market, but these five books approach the subject from different perspectives focusing on the man and/or his message.

You can also find more ideas and resources on my Martin Luther King Jr. Pinterest board.

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• Martin Luther King Jr. Glossary for Families
  
  
• Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Triptych Activity
  
  
• 5+ Videos for Kids on How to Draw Martin Luther King Jr.
  
  
• Racial Justice & Equity Glossary Packet
  
  
• Susan B. Anthony Glossary for Families
  
  
• Teach for Justice Lesson Plans
  
  

Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter!