61 Excellent MLK Writing Prompts for Kids

Excellent MLK Writing Prompts to Get Your Kids Writing About Martin Luther King, Jr and Honoring His Memory— While you’re teaching your students about Martin Luther King this January, engage them further by encouraging them to learn more about him, his life, and his legacy. Come and explore the fabulous list of 61 writing ideas for kids shown below about MLK Jr.

With these MLK writing prompts, students will expand their understanding of Dr. King and deepen their respect for his work and its lasting effect on humanity.

Having students journal about this important topic is a great way to get them thinking critically about the subjects of discrimination, nonviolent social change, civil rights, racism, poverty, beloved community, freedom, justice, and equality.

See and explore these journal prompts especially for students that honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy.

61 Excellent MLK Writing Prompts about Dr. King, Jr.

Who is Martin Luther King, Jr?
Why is there a national holiday in the United States to celebrate Martin Luther King?
What is it that we celebrate about Martin Luther King, Jr?
What do you know about Dr. King?
Where did you learn about him?
What made his “I have a Dream” speech so historic?
What is his dream?
How does MLK’s dream continue on to this day?
What does racial equality mean?
Would you be a non-violent leader? Why or why not?
Would you go to jail for a cause you believe in? Why or why not?
Would you suffer violence for a cause? Why or why not?
Would you continue on with your cause even if it meant you might die? Why or why not?
Can you use non-violence tactics in your school to create positive change? How so?
How did Dr. King influence people?
What is the Nobel Peace Prize?
What does it mean to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
Why was Martin Luther King awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
Why is peace important?
MLK is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated in his honor. Why do you think this is so?
Would you like to visit the Dr. King memorial on the Great Mall in our nation’s capital? Why?
What were some of Dr. King’s greatest achievements?
What are civil rights?
Why do civil rights even matter?
What would the world be like without civil rights?
How do civil rights benefit you?
What is the Civil Rights Act?
Imagine that you have no civil rights. What does your life look like? How do you feel?
What is racism?
How does racism affect people?
How does racism affect you?
Why is Dr. King so beloved by the African-American community and around the world?
What does the phrase “Beloved Community” mean?
What does the phrase “Beloved Community” mean to you?
Create a timeline of important dates in the life of Dr. King.
“I have a dream today” is a famous line from Dr. King’s speech. What is your dream?
Why is it important to dream of change?
What if Dr. King hadn’t dreamed of change?
What if Martin Luther King, Jr dreamed of violent rather than non-violent change?
Do you dream of change? Describe it.
What words best describe Martin Luther King?
What is segregation?
What if your school was segregated?
Imagine a world of peace and no war. Describe it in detail.
What is poverty?
How does poverty affect people?
How does poverty affect a nation?
Imagine a world without poverty. What does it look like?
How/why was Martin Luther King’s use of nonviolence so effective in creating lasting social change?
What is social change?
What is social justice?
What is economic justice?
What is justice?
What does justice mean to you?
How will you celebrate Dr. King Day?
Why is it important to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr?
How does your community celebrate MLK Day?
How does your school celebrate Martin Luther King?
How does your family celebrate Dr. King?
What would Dr. King say to you if you could meet him?
What would you say to Dr. King?