| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | Martin Luther king jr |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To captivate students’ interest and introduce the theme of Martin Luther King Jr. in a way that sparks curiosity and encourages discussion.
Begin the lesson by dimming the lights in the classroom. Play a soft instrumental version of “We Shall Overcome” or “A Change is Gonna Come” on a speaker to create an atmosphere of reflection and hope.
As the music plays, display a powerful black-and-white photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. speaking at the Lincoln Memorial during the "I Have a Dream" speech. Ensure the image is large enough for all students to see.
After the music has played for about a minute, turn the volume down and ask the class:
“What do you think was in Dr. King’s heart as he stood in front of thousands and shared his dream?”
Give students 3-5 minutes to write a short paragraph in response to the question. Encourage them to express their thoughts on what it means to have a dream, why sharing it is important, and how they envision a better future.
After the quick write, invite a few students to share their responses with the class. Emphasize that their personal interpretations are valuable.
Finally, segue into the main lesson by sharing that today, they will explore the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and discover how his dreams for equality and justice inspire us to continue fighting for change today.
By starting the lesson with music, visual prompts, and personal reflection, students will be more engaged and prepared to learn about the significant impact of Dr. King’s work.