The inspiring life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a wonderful topic for speech therapy in January–or any time of the year. Stories about the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King are important topics. In addition, parents can ask comprehension questions and work on other speech and language goals while reading.
Below are reading suggestions, followed by extension activities:
"Child of the Civil Rights Movement,” by Paula Young Shelton & Raul Colon
“Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins,” by Carole Boston Weatherford
“I Have a Dream” Speech, by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You,” by Carole Boston Weatherford
Extension Activities
Learn About Civil Rights - Talk about the world then and now, as well as what can still be done. Children can work on answering questions, comparing and contrasting, and learn new vocabulary. They can also discuss ways they can do what’s right.
“I Have a Dream” Speech Bubbles - fill out your own speech about your dreams! This is also a fun way to practice grammar.
Practice Speech Sounds During Reading Aloud - Model these sounds for your child, and then have the child say the words back.
Readers: Are you studying Dr. King this January?
About the Author: Melissa Goff, M.S, CCC-SLP, is the owner of Sunflower Speech & Myo Therapy, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC.
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