Help students explore justice, civil rights and powerful writing with this free worksheet bundle. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed in 1963 for writing the famous “Letter from the Birmingham Prison” and in segregation in peaceful protest. He responded to the white clergy who encouraged patience and explained why the action didn’t wait. These activities will help students analyze how they used King to encourage change and combat injustice.
Click the button below to receive a free letter from the Birmingham Prison Worksheet Bundle.
What does the bundle include?
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Letter from Birmingham Prison
This printable version of Martin Luther King Jr. letter is perfect for displaying it on the overhead of the entire class or providing students with their own copy. Ask students to circle unfamiliar words, highlight important sentences, and annotate texts when they read them.
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A brief overview
This handout provides the background information necessary to help students understand what was going on at the time Dr. King wrote his letter. Filled with historical photographs and important context, it is the perfect historical reviewer before you begin.
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Understanding questions
Perfect for independent work or group activities, these questions arrive at the heart of what Dr. King was trying to convey to those who read his letters.
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Analysis of rhetorical strategies
For older students, this activity is a great way to introduce (or identify) rhetorical strategies. From his appeal to his spirit, pity, and logos to his all-talk and use of dictionary, Dr. King was spectacular with his rhetoric.
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Vocabulary building
Some of the words in the letter from the Birmingham Prison are complicated, and this activity gives students the opportunity to dive into the vocabulary. A closer look at the meanings of these words and how they are used in letters will give you a deeper understanding of how important word choices are when writing with a compelling feeling.
Are you ready to share this important textbook with your students? Click the button below to get a free letter from the Birmingham Prison Worksheet Bundle.
