PBS NEWSHOUR EXTRA offers news for students and teacher resources for grades 7-12.  Here are some of its lesson plans about or related to Martin Luther King, perfect for use in the classroom leading up to Martin Luther King Day:

“I Have a Dream” As a Work of Literature: By closely reading the speech text, students can study Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s landmark speech and discuss the rhetorical influences on King’s speech, the oratorical devices that King uses in delivering his speech, and the “I Have a Dream” speech’s similarities to and differences from other literary forms.

The Freedom Riders and the Popular Music of the Civil Rights Movement:  Musicians and artists played active roles in spreading the message of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and artists like Sam Cooke. This lesson focuses on one case study, the story of the Freedom Riders, college students who in the spring of ‘61 challenged the existing segregation laws in the American South with an assertive yet non-violent strategy.

What is the Role of Civil Disobedience Today?  Students come to understand the practice of civil disobedience in view of the death of Rosa Parks and the 50th anniversary of her landmark act. They also examine civil disobedience’s history and explore whether it is a viable form of protest in today’s world.

And, be sure to check out PBS LearningMedia for more Martin Luther King Day classroom resources, including resources on Martin Luther King Jr, the civil rights movement, and civil disobedience.