Using Martin Luther King Junior’s Words in the Classroom

The “I Have a Dream” speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is iconic, and with great reason – but I can bet that many of us haven’t actually read or listened to the entire speech. There are of course the stand-out quotes, but to be able to hear the passion and heart behind the words adds humanism and connection that can’t be paralleled. The “I Have a Dream” book is a wonderful way to incorporate this speech into the classroom, and to help children identify with the power of the spoken word. I’m linking it here (and this link is an affiliate) because this particular copy actually comes with a CD that has the full audio recording of the speech. The paintings used to illustrate the book are absolutely beautiful and truly capture the time in which this speech took place, but also the timelessness of the themes shared.

Young children have a very clear understanding of what it means to treat others fairly – this is what much of their lives are based around at this age. Being able to start conversations about the kinds of things that Martin Luther King Jr. was advocating for when they are this age builds a foundation of kindness and compassion.

Over the last few years, it has felt a little more challenging to have these kinds of conversations in the classroom. That’s exactly why they’re still so important!