LESSON PLAN
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE AND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
This January, move your students’ thinking up the Bloom Scale of Learning by synthesizing
history with current issues. Guide students to explore the relevance of historic Civil
Disobedience to current situations. What can young people do about injustice and
intolerance in today’s world? The following Learning to Give lessons and resources will
guide your classroom discussions and motivate students to take responsibility to make a
difference.
Lessons
Learning to Give has many lessons at all grade levels K-12 to explore these themes. Search
for lessons related to “justice” or “civil rights” here to find lessons like these:
Reaching to the Clouds for Equality (K-2)
In this lesson, the students experience unequal treatment in a simulation and discuss
fairness. Children reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream. Through this activity, the
students personalize a way to act out his dream.
Growing Like Dr. King (3-5)
Students listen and respond to a biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They discuss the
importance of kind acts and service for others. They reflect on a quotation by Dr. King and
apply it to their own lives.
Practice Peace (Grades 6-8)
Students will learn about the life of Gandhi and will promote peace in their community.
They will compare and contrast the philosophies and work of Dr. King and Gandhi. They will
determine service they can provide to promote peace and nonviolence.
A Person of Honor (6-8)
Students explore the character of Gandhi to reflect on the benefits to the community of
truthfulness and straightforward actions. They analyze traits and actions of someone who
has built a “good reputation.”
Taking a Stand for the Good of Others (9-12)
Individuals can make a significant contribution to the common good. Students read about
Rosa Parks who promotes the welfare of individuals and community through inaction in the
form of protesting unjust/unfair situations. Students analyze violent situations and propose
nonviolent solutions.
generationOn.org
1
Youth Activity
Stereo What? This youth activity has students exploring personal biases and ways to combat
prejudice.
Literature Guides
• The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric (picture book)
This book and guide promote attitudes of tolerance and inclusion -- not just toward new
kids at school, but for all children who feel misunderstood or left out.
• The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss (picture book
This cautionary tale provides motivation to solve problems and respect differences in
others. The message of peace is universal to all types of intolerance.
• Shattering Glass by Gail Giles (Young Adult Novel)
This disturbing teen novel about bullying and the student-written literature guide explore
the power of coming together for positive or negative change.
White Papers about People and Concepts
Sunderlal Bahuguna
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Henry David Thoreau
Teaching Tolerance
The Civil Rights Movement
generationOn.org
2