Realizing the Dream - Serving Our Community: Process

Process

Exploring the Dream

So, who exactly is this Martin Luther King guy? Why should you learn about him? This is the part where you and your partner will do some exploring. Try to answer the following questions as you check out the resources I chose for you. Discuss your findings with your partner. If you have any questions, just ask!

Note: Your teacher will stop by periodically to see how you are doing and to find out what you have learned. Feel free to jot down interesting facts and notes!

Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

America's Story from America's Library: Martin Luther King, Jr.

This kid-friendly site offers background information on MLK.

Read these short backgrounds on important events with pictures, such as the bus boycott, allowing blacks to vote, and MLK's letter from the Birmingham jail.

A Teeny Tiny Book About Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read this short online book about MLK to learn a few basic facts

What were some of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most famous speeches?

American Rhetoric: Martin Luther King, Jr. - "I Have a Dream?"

This site offers multiple options to help you experience this powerful speech.

If possible, watch the You Tube video (17:28 minutes).

Or choose one of the two different options for listening to the speech

Read the text of the speech found at the bottom of the page

The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Inc. of Raleigh North Carolina: King Speeches

Another location to listen to "I Have a Dream"

You can also hear "March on Washington" and his last speech, "Free at Last."

Note: Need Real Audio Player

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on the Net: Video and Text of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech

Yet another location to find the You Tube video and the text of his speech. (Use this site if the previous ones are not working.)

When did some of the most important events of his life take place?

Long Island University: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read a general background on the important role MLK played during his short lifetime.

View an extensive timeline both of events from his life as well as other notable people and events during his lifetime.

The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Inc. of Raleigh North Carolina: Chronology of King's Life

This timeline sticks with just a few of the more noteworthy events important in Martin Luther King?s own life.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute: Major King Events Chronology

Another timeline offering both personal and professional events from birth till his death

Includes few links for additional information on important people and events (note: some of these links are broken)

Bonus feature for timeline are the pictures ? click a picture to view a larger version

Where did he live?

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site ? Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of MLK?s birth home

Why do we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day?

The King Center: Remember! Celebrate! Act! ? The Meaning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Why do we celebrate MLK?s birthday? Read here to find out the reasons why we should never forget what he did for our country.

The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Inc. of Raleigh North Carolina: Why We Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read a brief history of the inequality between white and black Americans and how MLK inspired and gave courage to others to fight for equality

Now it's time to think about what you have learned. Complete one of the following activities AND one of the quizzes.

Each partner must complete an activity and quiz on his or her own. However, you may ask each other for help.
You will need to print your activity sheet before you start.
Also print your final score for your quiz.

Activity Sheets: Choose at least one sheet to complete on your own. Feel free to go back and visit any of the sites to help you answer the questions or to make sure your writing contains correct facts!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Vocabulary

Martin Luther King, Jr. Challenge

Martin Luther King Day Draw and Write

Quizzes: Choose at least one quiz to complete on your own. Don't forget to print your final quiz and/or score!

Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids Quiz

Take this 5 question quiz and see how you do! Pay attention because it will tell you why you were right or wrong. Even if you miss a question, it is still an opportunity to learn more!

The Seattle Times: Martin Luther King, Jr. Quiz

Test your knowledge on MLK. Remember, even if you miss a question, it is still an opportunity to learn if you read over the correct answers!

Scholastic News In-Depth: Martin Luther King, Jr. ? The Legacy of a Leader

You can read more about MLK?s life.

View a slideshow of photographs

Take the quiz to see how well you paid attention to what you read today. Again, even if you miss a question, take the time to read the correct answer so you?ll know the next time someone asks!

Now that you have explored the dream, let's start building the dream! Remember this is a partner project, so be sure he or she is ready to go!

Building the Dream

It's time to make Martin Luther King, Jr. proud! You are going to learn more about what it means to be of service to others. You will apply all that you know into developing a Service Project or several Acts of Kindness that can be carried out by the class for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

What does "service" mean?

First turn to your partner and share anything that you know about "service" in terms of "serving others".
Look up the word "service" at Dictionary.com, and you'll find over 35 definitions for the word! However, the very first definition suits our use of the word in this webquest.
- (Take your mouse and highlight the section below to read the definition.)
- "An act of helpful activity; help; aid: to do someone a service"
Listen to this empowering excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King's speech, "The Drum Major Instinct":
- The King Center: Be a Servant - The New Definition of Greatness

So, what is community service?

Children for Children: Kids and Teens Explore Community Service

Learn about community service and discuss your thoughts with your partner

What are some potential Service Projects or Acts of Kindness that you and your classmates can perform?

Let's start by brainstorming acts of kindness or projects that you can do for your classmates, family, school, community, or the environment.

Acts of Kindness are those things we do for others without being asked. It is something usually small and without a lot of thought that can totally make someone's day. These acts are done without expecting a thank you or recognition, however it is always nice to be aknowledged for your good deeds.
Start a word/idea web on scrap paper.

Out of ideas? Check out these sites for new project ideas.

Community Service Projects for Kids, Youth, and Families

Eight project ideas for individuals, families, or groups to serve the needs of others

The Idea Door? - Great Service Project Ideas

Check out the "50 Ways to Serve Your Brother" section for simple acts of kindness and service ideas.

No matter your religious affiliation, these ideas easily apply to anyone and everyone!

Caps for Kids

This unique service project is for anyone able to knit or crochet hats (or know someone that can teach you how).

Now take a few moments to add more ideas to your brainstorm list. If there is an idea that you really like, see if you can find additional information!

Time to Develop the Dream

Now you have learned a little about service, brainstormed ideas, and researched possible service projects. You and your partner will now choose one of your service ideas that your both think would be

Fun
Worthwhile
and Doable! (able to be accomplished by your classmates in a few hours)

Now go through the following lesson:

Children for Children: Plan a Community Program

Step-by-step guide in choosing and planning a service project

Includes necessary plan sheets for you to print out and fill in completely

Be sure to use lots of details when filling out these pages!

With the completion of your Plan Sheet and any other additional, useful sheets, you are ready to move on to the final round of this webquest.

Before you move on, do one last check to see that you have everything filled out.
Swing by the evaluation page, find the project section, and see if you think you'll get all of your points or if you need to make some adjustments.

Sharing the Dream

Whew! You have almost realized your dream! Just a little bit of persuasion to get everyone on your side, and you'll be good to go!

In this section you first need to write a persuasive letter. Then you will plan how you will present your project idea to the class. Remember, we can't do all of the projects, so the class will be choosing which ones to further develop and carry through for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Day.

The Power of Persuasion

In class we have been going over the following lesson: "Can You Convince Me? Developing Persuasive Writing" by ReadWriteThink. You have hopefully had a chance to test out the Persuasion Map Device. If not, you will want to test it out before using it for this part of the webquest.

Now that you have practiced your skills of persuasion, it is time to put them to use! You will be writing a letter to someone that you want to convince to consider changing his or her mind. Here are some possible ideas:

Write a letter to the Superintendent, asking her to consider canceling school on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in order to allow students to participate in a Day of Service.
Write a letter to the Principal asking her to allow your class to spend the day performing Acts of Kindness or doing community Service Projects.
Write a letter to another teacher asking him or her to allow their class to join in with the Acts of Kindness or do their own Service Project.
Choose your own person -or- choose a different topic related to what we have been learning. Get this idea approved by your teacher!

Now, remember it will take more than just saying "because" to get someone to change their mind. Here are some tips on convincing someone to change:

Consider the reasons that person might not want to do your idea and brainstorm counter-points.
What are some educational goals and incentives that make your idea a worthwhile school activity?
Write clear, "smart-sounding" sentences full of facts and details that show this person that you are taking the topic very seriously.
Brainstorm ideas with a classmate or even your parents so that you can choose the best reasons, facts, and examples to support your argument.

Time to write your letter!

1. First use the Persuasion Map Device

Use this device to help identify your goal along with three reasons you want people to join you in your cause.

Each of these reasons can then have up to 3 facts or examples to further develop your argument.

Print out your map

2. Write a rough draft of your letter using the Persuasion Map to keep you focused.

3. Read over your letter. Ask yourself, "Does my argument and reasonings make sense? Is there anything I can add or change to make this better?"

4. Have your partner, parent, or teacher review your letter to see if they have any suggestions. Ask them, "Does my argument and reasonings make sense?"

5. Now type your updated version, making sure to type the corrections. Use spell-check and the thesaurus.

6. Read your letter out-loud to yourself.

Does it sound right?

Do you have capitals and punctuation where needed?

Is your spelling all corrected?

Are there any words you can use the thesaurus to make better, "smarter sounding" choices?

Does it look ready to print?

7. Have your partner or the teacher check over the final version one last time before you print it!

8. Print your final version and turn it into your teacher.

Plan your Presentation

Now it's time to review your Service Project idea and make sure it is ready to present to the class.

Is there anything you forgot to explain?
Can you find additional information to make your details clear and precise?

Have extra time?

This is a good time to check the evaluation section and make sure you will receive all the points.

Check out the Conclusion page for additional activities, books, and resources just for fun!