Lesson Plan

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nonviolent Resistance

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Was nonviolent resistance the best means of securing civil rights for black Americans in the 1960s? In this highly engaging and informative lesson, your young historians will closely analyze several key documents from the civil rights movement, including criticisms of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s political demonstrations in Birmingham. They will also listen to an excerpt from King's renowned "I Have a Dream" speech, and evaluate the pros and cons of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience in a class debate.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Pros
  • Engaging topic that develops unique perspective of an important historical period
  • Activities accommodate a variety of learning styles
  • Includes all primary source materials and guiding questions for reading
  • Very well organized and structured lesson plan
Cons
  • Instructor will need to develop rubric and/or grading criteria for assessment