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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Martin Luther King, Jr. and me: Identifying with a hero

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=257

A lesson plan for grades K–2 English Language Arts and Social Studies

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This lesson from ReadWriteThink explores ways to help students make connections to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities that not only provide a glimpse into Dr. King’s life, but empower students to help bring Dr. King’s dream into reality. Most important, it encourages them to dream their own dreams. The lesson culminates with a party for Dr. King’s Birthday.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 1

  • Goal 2: The learner will develop and apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.02: Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of texts (storybooks, short chapter books, newspapers, telephone books, and everyday print such as signs and labels, poems, word plays using alliteration and rhyme, skits and short plays).
  • Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
    • Objective 3.01: Elaborate on how information and events connect to life experiences.
    • Objective 3.04: Share personal experiences and responses to experiences with text:
      • publishing non-print texts.
      • discussing interpretations.
      • recording personal responses.

Grade 2

  • Goal 2: The learner will develop and apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.02: Use text for a variety of functions, including literary, informational, and practical.
  • Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
    • Objective 3.01: Use personal experiences and knowledge to interpret written and oral messages.
    • Objective 3.04: Increase oral and written vocabulary by listening, discussing, and composing texts when responding to literature that is read and heard. (e.g., read aloud by teacher, literature circles, interest groups, book clubs).

Kindergarten

  • Goal 2: The learner will develop and apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.02: Demonstrate familiarity with a variety of types of books and selections (e.g., picture books, caption books, short informational texts, nursery rhymes, word plays/finger plays, puppet plays, reenactments of familiar stories).
  • Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
    • Objective 3.01: Connect information and events in text to experience.
    • Objective 3.04: Use speaking and listening skills and media to connect experiences and text
      • listening to and re-visiting stories
      • discussing, illustrating, and dramatizing stories
      • discovering relationships.

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 1

  • Goal 4: The learner will explain different celebrated holidays and special days in communities.
    • Objective 4.02: Explore and cite reasons for observing special days that recognize celebrated individuals of diverse cultures.

Grade 2

  • Goal 3: The learner will analyze how individuals, families, and communities are alike and different.
    • Objective 3.05: Identify historical figures and events associated with various cultural traditions and holidays celebrated around the world.