"I Have a Dream" Speech Analysis and Determining America's Dream Today

Analyze Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech– What is America’s dream today? Students will analyze the primary source document of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The lesson begins with warm-up questions about speeches. Next, the class completes a reading on Background History of Racial Segregation in the United States followed by information about MLK, Jr. and his role in the Civil Rights Movement. Pairs will then analyze the primary source document of the Dr. King’s speech from the March on Washington and answer questions to gain understanding of the speech. After a class debrief, students will determine which four lines of the speech they feel are the strongest. Next, students will identify King’s dream for America before determining what topics might be included for our dream for America today. Students will then compose a speech that shares their dream for America now. Finally, students will share excerpts from their speech in a round robin sharing. (Teachers will need to locate a copy of Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech. It is still under copyright. Several sites have the speech available on the internet.)

When you purchase this activity, you will receive:

-teacher directions

-power point to guide instruction

-Warm-Up Activity

-Background Reading of Racial Segregation in the United States and Nonviolent Methods to End Segregation

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

– March on Washington reading

-Analysis Questions for “I Have a Dream” Speech

-I Have a Dream Extension Activity

-Answer document for Analysis Questions

-Writing prompt-My Dream for America

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