Key in the struggle to gain the rights of democratic citizenship was the April 1963 arrest of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for civil disobedience. To deepen their knowledge and understanding of events during the civil rights movement, class members examine several primary source documents, including King’s letter written while he was incarcerated in the Birmingham jail. Learners then prepare for and engage in a Socratic seminar that focuses on King’s letter. The two-day plan ends with individuals crafting a reflection on civil disobedience.

Concepts

civil disobedience, non-violence, non-violent protest

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Additional Tags

civil disobedience, passive resistance, social studies

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Pros

• Although designed for middle schoolers, the plan would work equally well with high school classes
• Carefully scaffolded so that all learners can be successful
• Links provided to all necessary materials

 

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.1.a SL.7.1.a SL.8.1.a SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a L.6.1.a L.7.1.a L.8.1.a L.9-10.1.a L.11-12.1.a