Differentiated Lessons on Martin Luther King, Jr. for Grades 6-8

Use these argumentative writing prompts to teach students about the civil rights movement.

Teach your students about Dr. King’s legacy with these lessons about his impact on the civil rights movement. Each lesson is differentiated and pairs with an academic writing prompt as well.

On Dr. King’s life and legacy:

Don’t Go to Memphis (FREE LESSON)

• Writing prompt: Why was the work Martin Luther King, Jr. was doing in Memphis meaningful?
• CCSS.CCRA.R.8

A Long, Hard March (FREE LESSON)

• Why was the Selma to Montgomery march an effective form of protest for the people involved in the civil rights movement?
• CCSS.CCRA.R.8

Fighting for Rights

This lesson includes teaching resources and supports for developing bilingual students.

• Writing prompt: How did the SCLC and SNCC successfully work to get the Voting Rights Act passed?
• CCSS.CCRA.R.3; CCSS.WHST.6-8.1

On lessons learned from Dr. King:

Voices of the Few

This lesson includes teaching resources and supports for developing bilingual students.

• Writing prompt: Does the author build an effective argument about the dangers of group decision-making through his examination of democracy?
• CCSS.CCRA.R.3, CCSS.W.7.1