Lesson Plan:  “Marching Toward a Dream” and “She Wants to Change the World”

Essential Questions

• What role do young people play in shaping the future of social justice movements?
• How can peaceful protests lead to lasting social and political change?

Literature Connection

• Children’s book: We Dream a World: Carrying the Light From My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King by Yolanda Renee King
• Graphic biography: Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! by James Buckley Jr.

Preview Text Features (10 minutes)

Guide students to locate the articles in their magazines or at Action Online. Preview the text features by asking the following questions:

• Read the titles and subtitles of the articles. What do the phrases “Marching Toward a Dream” and “She Wants to Change the World” mean? What might they tell you about the subjects of the articles? Answers will vary. Students may say that the phrases highlight the themes of hope and activism in the fight for equality. The phrase “Marching Toward a Dream” is more figurative, suggesting that the act of marching represents progress toward a better future.
• Look at the images of marchers included in the first article. What is written on their signs? What do you learn about their demands? Answers will vary. Encourage students to read what’s written on the signs, e.g., “We demand equal rights now!,” “We demand decent housing now!,” and “No U.S. dough to help Jim Crow grow,” and discuss what they mean.

Preview Vocabulary (10 minutes)

• Point out the vocabulary box. Read the words (racist, civil rights, segregation, progress, activist, initiative) aloud and discuss their definitions.
• Play the Vocabulary Slideshow.

Make a Plan for Reading

Before students start to read, walk them through a reading plan:

• Set a purpose for reading by telling students that one article describes a historic civil rights protest, while the other discusses how a modern activist is continuing her family’s legacy.
• Tell students that after they read, they’ll synthesize information from both articles to understand the continuing fight for equality.

Read the articles. (Higher- and lower-Lexile versions are available on the Story page at Action Online. Click Presentation View to access an audio read-aloud.) Then discuss the following close-reading and critical-thinking questions.

Close-Reading Questions (15 minutes)

• Why do you think Tom Ellison felt hopeful during the March on Washington? (inference) Tom felt hopeful because he believed the protest could lead to real change. At the time, Black Americans suffered because of unfair laws, like segregation and restricted voting rights. At the march, Tom saw many people united in demanding change. This probably made him feel that their voices would be heard and that the country would move toward a better future.
• How did Dr. King’s speech affect the crowd? What was its impact on history? (cause and effect) Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech moved and energized the crowd. When he finished, people cheered loudly. Some cried and hugged strangers. The speech inspired many to keep fighting for equality. Less than a year later, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed segregation and racial discrimination in the country.
• What inspires Yolanda Renee King to continue her grandfather’s work? (synthesizing) Yolanda is inspired by her family’s legacy and believes young people can help make the world better. Her activism, including efforts for stricter gun laws and the Realize the Dream initiative, shows her desire to honor her grandfather’s work while also leading new efforts for positive change. She believes small acts of service can lead to big impacts.

Critical-Thinking Questions (10 minutes)

• Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech inspired many people to continue fighting for civil rights. Why do you think powerful speeches like this one can have such a lasting impact on society? Can you think of another speech or message that has inspired change? Answers will vary. Some students might say that powerful speeches inspire hope, while others might say they provide a clear vision for a better future, motivating people to act. Students could reference speeches by figures like Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, or Barack Obama as other examples that have inspired change.
• Yolanda Renee King believes that young people can play a big role in making the world a better place. Can you think of an issue you care about and how you could take action to create change? Answers will vary. Students might mention issues like climate change, social justice, or animal rights. They could explain small actions they could take, such as organizing a fundraiser, volunteering, or raising awareness through social media, showing how young people can contribute to solving big problems.

• Have students work in pairs to complete our Synthesizing skill builder. (Click here to view all your Skill Builders for this article.)
• Writing prompt: Imagine you were at the March on Washington and heard Dr. King’s speech. Write a letter to Yolanda Renee King, explaining how her grandfather’s words still inspire people today and why it’s important that she’s carrying on his work.