Table of Contents
Introduction
Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech is one of the most powerful calls for equality and justice in history. Delivered in 1963 during the March on Washington, his words continue to inspire generations to imagine a world where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their race or background. But the speech is not just a reflection on the past—it’s also a blueprint for envisioning a better future.
In this “I Have a Dream Writing Lesson Plan”, students are encouraged to engage with Dr. King’s message by reflecting on their own dreams for the world.
Through writing exercises, group collaboration, and critical thinking, students will explore current global issues and brainstorm solutions, all while improving their writing skills.
This lesson fosters creativity and empowers students to think deeply about their role in shaping a better tomorrow.
Let’s start with the lesson overview.
I Have a Dream Writing Lesson Plan: Lesson Details
I Have a Dream Writing Lesson Plan
Grade Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Subject: Language Arts / Social Studies
Duration: 2-3 class periods
Objective:
Students will explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, reflect on their own dreams for societal improvement, and develop writing skills by creating their own “I Have a Dream” speech. This lesson promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, encouraging students to express their hopes for the future.
Materials:
- Excerpt of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech (shortened version)
- Worksheet for True/False questions
- Fill-in-the-blank worksheet for writing dreams and wishes
- Brainstorming sheets for group work
- Writing materials (notebooks, pens) or access to digital writing tools
I Have a Dream: Writing Lesson Plan
A. Introduction to Martin Luther King Jr. and the “I Have a Dream” Speech (5 minutes)
Teacher Instructions: Begin the lesson by providing a brief background on Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Read a short excerpt from the “I Have a Dream” speech aloud, focusing on the themes of equality, justice, and hope for the future.
Excerpt Example:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
B. Reading Activity
Now, ask students to read the following text and answer the True or False Exercise:
Biography of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a deeply segregated society where Black and white people were kept apart by laws that restricted African Americans’ rights and opportunities. His father, a Baptist minister, and his mother, a schoolteacher, played important roles in his life, teaching him the value of education and justice. King went on to earn a doctorate in theology, becoming a pastor and a prominent leader in the civil rights movement.
The social issue Martin Luther King Jr. fought against was racial inequality. In the United States, African Americans faced discrimination in almost every aspect of life—schools, public transportation, jobs, and even the right to vote. King was deeply troubled by the injustice of segregation, which treated people unfairly simply because of the color of their skin. He believed that everyone, regardless of race, deserved equal rights and opportunities. His goal was to end these unfair laws and create a society where people were treated equally.
To achieve this, King advocated for nonviolent resistance. He organized peaceful protests, boycotts, and marches to challenge unjust laws and raise awareness about racial inequality.
One of his most famous moments came during the 1963 March on Washington, where he gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. In it, King expressed his vision of a future where people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by their character. He dreamed of a world where justice and equality would prevail, where people of all races could live in harmony. King’s commitment to nonviolence and his powerful speeches helped bring about significant changes, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
True/False Questions
- Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Alabama. (True/False)
- King fought against racial inequality in the United States. (True/False)
- King believed in using violence to achieve justice. (True/False)
- King’s famous speech was delivered during the March on Washington in 1963. (True/False)
C. Writing Activity
1. Fill in the Blanks: Writing Your Dreams (15 minutes)
Teacher Instructions: Distribute the fill-in-the-blank worksheet, which prompts students to write about their own dreams for the future. Encourage them to think about current issues in the world and how they wish things could be better.
Worksheet Example:
- I dream of a world where ____________.
- I hope that one day, everyone will have ___________.
- I wish that there would be a solution to __________, so that ___________.
2. Group Work: Identifying World Problems and Brainstorming Solutions (30 minutes)
Instructions for Students:
In small groups, choose a current problem facing the world (e.g., climate change, poverty, inequality, etc.). Brainstorm together to discuss possible solutions. Write down your ideas using the provided brainstorming sheet.
Steps:
- Choose a global issue.
- Brainstorm possible solutions as a group.
- Write notes on how you dream this issue could be solved.
| Global Issue | Why it is important | How to fight for that issue |
| … | … |
3. Planning Writing
Students complete this chart with notes. They may work in pairs or groups:
| Personal Background | Global Issue and Your Dream | Actions to Achieve Your Dream |
|---|---|---|
| Name, age, occupation, and personal details. | Identify a global issue you are concerned about and describe your dream for a better future. | Outline specific actions or steps you will take to work towards achieving your dream. |
| … | … | … |
4. Drafting
Now, individually write about a problem you feel strongly about. Explain the issue and then describe how you dream it could be solved. Use the appropriate tense and structure (e.g., “I dream of a world where…” or “I hope for a future in which…”). This is your personal “I Have a Dream” speech.
Encourage them not to worry about grammar or spelling at the moment. The focus should be on fluent writing.
5. Reviewing and Editing (10 minutes)
Instructions for Students:
- Students work in pairs to review the first draft you have written.
- Students work in pairs and edit them to make sure their ideas are clear and well-organized.
- Focus on using the correct tenses (e.g., “I wish,” “I hope,” “I dream”) and ensure that your sentences make sense.
4. Final Draft: “I Have a Dream” (10 minutes)
Instructions for Students: After editing, write a final draft of your group’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
D. Follow-Up Activity:
Students can share their individual speeches with the class or create posters to visually represent their dreams for the future. This can lead to further discussions on how individuals can contribute to solving global problems in their communities.
E. Extension: (Homework or in-class)
- Class Blog: Publishing students’ writing on the class blog.
- Presentation: Groups of students working on a project: selecting an issue and conducting research on the internet, preparing presentations.
- Video: Creating a video where students interview each other about a global issue.
F. Assessment:
- True/False Quiz: Graded for accuracy
- Fill-in-the-Blank Worksheet: Graded for completion and effort
- Group Speech: Graded for clarity of ideas, collaboration, and structure
- Individual Writing: Graded on grammar, structure, and content
More on Martin Luther King Jr.
Conclusion
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream was not just about racial equality—it was about a world where all people could live in peace, dignity, and opportunity. By working through this activity, students tap into that same spirit of hope, imagining a future where today’s problems—whether climate change, inequality, or poverty—are addressed through thoughtful and compassionate solutions.
Writing their own “I Have a Dream” speech allows students to use their voices to envision a better world, inspiring them to think critically about the changes they wish to see. Through brainstorming, collaboration, and reflection, they not only improve their writing but also begin to understand the power of their dreams and ideas. In the process, they learn that real change starts with the courage to dream big—and to put those dreams into action.