King (1978 Mini-Series) - 2-Hour Lesson Plan for High School

This powerful two-hour lesson plan helps high school students understand the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by using the 1978 miniseries King. In an approachable and captivating way, it skillfully combines English Language Arts, Social Studies, and History. Using carefully selected movie clips, well-structured conversations, and an intuitive worksheet, teachers guide students through key moments in the Civil Rights Movement.

Students study Dr. King's growth as a leader, the value of peaceful protest, and the personal costs of involvement. They examine different civil rights strategies and relate past struggles to contemporary social justice issues. While viewing, taking short breaks improves reflection and emotional comprehension. Asking direct questions encourages thoughtful discussion and critical thinking.

Strong historical context, clear learning objectives, and flexible viewing options are all characteristics of the lecture. It works well over a few days or in a single two-hour session. This tool shortens the time needed for preparing and encourages meaningful, civil conversations about history, leadership, and change in the classroom.