“The time is always right to do what is right.” –Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Dr. King said those words at Oberlin College in 1965, and almost 60 years later, that quote is still revered among his many famous speeches. 

MLK Quote Math Worksheet — Curriculum Goals

Use this mental math strategies resource in the weeks surrounding MLK Day or during Black History Month. 

Each addition and subtraction solution has a corresponding letter that students will match to the cipher at the bottom of the page. When they solve and pair each math sentence correctly, they will uncover Dr. King’s powerful message.

An answer sheet is included with your download for students to self-check their work. 

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

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

• Math warm-up exercise
• Math center activity
• Civil rights lesson exit ticket 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Got fast finishers? Students who need a challenge can use the backside of the page to write about what MLK’s quote means to them. 

Students who need extra support can complete this activity in a 1:1 intervention or a guided group setting. 

Prepare This Resource In A Variety Of Ways

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.  

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. 

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

Please note this resource downloads as a black and white PDF. An answer key is also included for easy grading or for students to self-check their work.

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