Pistes d'exploration

Follow along as the disc plays Martin Luther King’s speech. How do the illustrations help you understand his speech? Which image or words had the greatest impact on you? 

Compile a list of other humanitarians. What do they all have in common? What would you say to Dr. King if you had a chance to meet him today? In small groups, discuss the concepts of racism and stereotyping. 

Research the Nobel Peace Prize. Why did King win it? Have any Canadians won this prize? Who else? Share your findings with the class.

Talk about segregation in the United States, the civil rights movement and Martin Luther King. 

Discuss the importance of the time and place of King’s speech. What was his dream? Identify keywords and expressions from his speech that represent that dream.

Write a newspaper article about Martin Luther King’s speech. 

Listen to the recording of the complete speech. Take note of words and expressions that describe how Black Americans were treated in the United States. 

Use the biographical note on the inside back cover to discuss segregation in the USA.

Compare King Jr. with other humanitarians. What do they have in common?

Use the speech as a springboard to study the novel, Dear Martin by Nic Stone, in which the main character writes to Martin Luther King in order to find out who he wants to become.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi: A March to the Sea, Freedom Summer, Tar Beach

Mots-clés

Non-fiction , Black history , civil rights , equality , human rights , Martin Luther King Jr. , speeches

Commentaire descriptif

The stirring words of Martin Luther King’s history-making speech are vividly brought to life through the beautiful paintings of award-winning artist Kadir Nelson in this inspiring book about a critical turning point in the American Civil Rights movement. Rich, hyperrealistic paintings include dramatic close-ups, angles and lighting. From the first page, in which King gazes out over an unseen crowd, the intensity in his eyes speaking to the weight of responsibility he bears, the reader is moved and drawn further into King’s dream. Children will appreciate how King rendered his message into one about humanity and dignity, in a world where “little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.” The CD recording of King’s speech that is included allows children to experience its power and intensity firsthand. The book makes an excellent launching point for discussions about black history, civil rights and leadership. King’s messages of peace, equality and freedom can hopefully inspire young readers to have dreams of their own.