As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it is important to take time to celebrate the life and work of such a remarkable leader. One of the ways I love celebrating Dr. King’s life in my elementary classroom is with the read aloud My Brother Martin, a powerful, thought-provoking children’s book that tells the story of one of history’s most famous civil rights leader through the eyes of his older sister, Christine King Farris.
I love that this book is a firsthand familiar account and written by a fellow educator. The 2006 text is a great tool for elementary teachers to introduce their students to the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., as well as to help them understand the importance of social justice and equality. It tells the true and inspirational story of how one boyhood experience inspired a movement that would change the world as we know it.
Dr. King’s message of equality and social justice is just as important today as it was during the civil rights movement, and it is our responsibility as educators to teach this to our students. By learning about Dr. King and the impact he had on the world, we can inspire our students to be agents of change in their own communities and to work towards creating a more just and equal society for all.
My Brother Martin: A Quick Summary
Mother Dear, one day Iβm going to turn this world upside down.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Long before he became a world-famous dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr. was a little boy who played jokes, practiced the piano, and made friends without considering the color of their skin. Growing up in the segregated south of the 1930s taught young Martin a bitter lessonβlittle white children and little black children were not to play with one another. Martin decided then and there that something had to be done. And so he began the journey that would change the course of American history!
Extension #1 – Reading Comprehension Questions
Hold students accountable while reading with comprehension questions! I use this trifold format for several reasons:
- Presenting one question at a time prevents overwhelm and keeps students focused.
- The guiding page numbers above each question encourage students where to find textual evidence.
- The DIY template allows students and teachers to create their own Q&A brochures for more tailored instruction.
We often read the text several times with different purposes. I like to play this read aloud version from Mrs. Morris on YouTube when stopping to ask questions so students can hear a different voice. It gets confusing for my struggling readers when I interrupt my own reading sometimes!
Extension #2 – Making Words with Spelling Mats
Once we as a class have dissected the story, we then do an engaging follow up activity: Making Words! Students can manipulatice letter tiles on their desks to create as many words as they can from Martin Luther King, Jr. and other related words. They can work with a partner or independently. During this time, I can call my struggling learners to the small group table and scaffold this spelling activity.
Extension #3 – Extending Vocabulary
My Brother Martin can be used as a vocabulary lesson. As students read the book, they can create a list of new or unfamiliar words and look up their definitions. This will not only improve their vocabulary, but also give them a deeper understanding of the text. I’m a big fan of Frayer models for this. Once I’ve collected a decent amount of unknown words from students, I throw them in a wordsearch for continued (fun) exposure! You can create your own wordsearches for free here.
Extension #4 – Writing “I Have a Dream…” Speeches
Another way to extend this book in the classroom is to have students create their own “I Have a Dream” speeches. After reading My Brother Martin, ask students to think about their own dreams for a better world and have them write their own speeches in the style of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Encourage them to be creative and to think about how they can make a difference in their own communities. To practice public speaking, students can take turns coming up to the front of the room and reading their speeches from a podium.
Extension #5 – Creating a Historical Timeline
Beyond the language arts and literacy block, My Brother Martin easily tends itself to history class. Another extension activity could be to have students create a timeline of important events in Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. This could include his birth, education, and significant moments in the civil rights movement. Students could do research to learn about these events and then create a timeline either on paper or using a digital tool. Some videos worth using for background information:
- The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – MLK Day! (Animated) Black History Month Video
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Rights Accomplishments
- A Timeline of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Extension #6 – Designing a Poster for Display
For art class, you could also have students create a collage or poster featuring images and quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. This is a great way to help students understand the impact MLK had on the world and the messages he shared with others. It also provides a creative opportunity for students to show what they know and synthesize their learning. Provide magazines, stickers, stationery, and other crafting supplies for students to design! Display for a meaningful January bulletin board that can be kept up and added to in February for Black History Month.
My Brother Martin Conclusion
Overall, My Brother Martin is a phenomenal book for elementary students to read and learn from. By using extension activities like those described above, teachers can help students understand the significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and work hopefully inspiring them to make a positive impact in their own communities!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Try an extension activity above! Need a done for you resource? Check out my TpT store for print and go comprehension trifolds, making word spelling mats, and much more.
