Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? MLK Activities on Deck!

As teachers, we know so much about Martin Luther King, Jr. We’ve had the time to read, study, and learn about the civil rights movement and Dr. King in depth. However, elementary-grade students have background and vocabulary skills that limit them from fully understanding who MLK was and what he did for our country. You can use this quick and easy explanation in your classroom today!

Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important leader in the civil rights movement in the United States. He fought for equal rights for African Americans, who were not treated fairly at the time. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in nonviolence and used peaceful protests to bring about change. He gave many powerful speeches, the most famous of which is called the “I Have a Dream” speech, in which he talked about his dream of a world where everyone is treated equally, no matter the color of their skin. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a hero who worked hard to make the world a better place for all people.

Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids – Comprehension Activities

This is a printable Martin Luther King, Jr. PDF download in which students will read an informational text about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and complete a range of activities related to reading comprehension and ELA concepts. Included in this pack, you will find

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Reading Passage 

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Comprehension Test

• MLK Fact and Opinion Worksheet

• MLK True or False Worksheet

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Cloze Passage Worksheet

An answer key is included with this resource for easy grading.

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

In addition to individual student work time, use this MLK reading comprehension worksheet as a:

• MLK Day lesson exit ticket
• Black History Month activity 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)
• Reading center activity

For students who need extra support: Before printing, go through each paragraph and underline or highlight keywords to help direct the reader’s focus.  

If needed, students can complete the worksheet in pairs.

Prepare These Martin Luther King Activities with Ease

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.  

To save paper, we suggest printing this worksheet double-sided. 

You can also turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity! Print a few copies on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a dry-erase marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF and Google Slides resource files. An answer key is also included with this download.

Discover more about the legacy of Dr. King with these MLK Day activities and teaching resources:   

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Who Is Martin Luther King, Jr? - Shared Reading and Activity

Use this 13-slide PowerPoint as a collaborative reading exercise about Martin Luther King, Jr.

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"All About ..." - Informational Writing Template

Practice informative writing with this versatile template.

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MLK Character Traits Graphic Organizer

Use our graphic organizer with your students when studying Martin Luther King, Jr.’s notable mental and moral qualities.