Guest Blogger: On Martin Luther King Jr.

Posted by SM Bruner on

Guest Blogger Laura Candler was a teacher in Fayetteville, North Carolina for over 30 years. She has presented educational workshops to teachers around the country for over 12 years. She’s the author of 10 books for teachers, and her Teaching Resources website is jam packed with ideas galore! We are thrilled to have her contributing her timely ideas to BrainPOP Educators.  Be sure to click and check out her newly minted MLK lesson plan with a free 13 page teaching packet, just in time for the holiday.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Laura Candler, Teaching Resources,
www.lauracandler.com

Many students across America will take time this week to reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impact on the civil rights movement. Yet as a former teacher, I know how difficult it can be find appropriate resources for elementary students on this topic. How do we teach our students about the incredible challenges Dr. King faced and the social injustices of that time period?

So a few days ago when I discovered the BrainPOP video, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I knew I had found an amazing resource! In this four-minute video, the animated characters Tim and Moby explain the the relevant concepts clearly, and yes, eloquently. Definitely another BrainPOP.com masterpiece!

Watching the video threw my teacher brain into overdrive, and I couldn’t stop thinking about about what I would do if I were still in the classroom. I longingly imagined the cooperative learning activities I would have created and the discussions I would have had with my students. Then I thought, “Why not create those resources anyway and share them with other teachers?” So that’s what I did!

Before you look at my resources, watch the video if you haven’t seen it yet and explore the supplementary activities and Related Reading resources on BrainPOP.com. Then download my Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Video Resources teaching packet from my lesson plan for some cooperative learning strategies and interactive lesson ideas. It’s a 13-page PDF file with teaching suggestions, sorting cards, vocabulary activities, and discussion cards. Between my resources and those on BrainPOP.com, you’ll have a complete mini-unit to celebrate and honor the life of one of the greatest leaders of our time!

Filed as:  BrainPOP, Famous Historical Figures, Featured Movie, Featured Teachers, General, Laura Candler, Lesson Plan, Martin Luther King, Jr., Social Studies