If you’re teaching students about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a clear, fact-based worksheet is one of the best tools to support understanding. Our MLK Facts: Who Is Martin Luther King Jr.? worksheet gives children an age-appropriate overview of Dr. King’s life, achievements, and impact on the Civil Rights Movement—all in a simple, easy-to-read format.
This printable is ideal for classrooms, homeschooling, MLK Day lessons, history units, or social-emotional learning activities that highlight justice, equality, and nonviolence.
What’s Included in the MLK Facts Worksheet?
The worksheet provides a concise biography of Martin Luther King Jr. using kid-friendly language and accurate historical details. Students will learn:
- When and where Dr. King was born – January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia.
- His family background, including his parents, Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King.
- His roles as a Baptist minister and civil rights leader.
- How he rose to national prominence, beginning with the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
- His leadership in founding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957.
- His commitment to nonviolent activism and peaceful protest.
- His major achievements, including influencing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- His famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington.
- His Nobel Peace Prize win in 1964, becoming the youngest recipient at the time.
- His assassination on April 4, 1968, and his lasting impact on American history.
This structured biography helps students grasp essential information quickly, making it perfect for introducing Dr. King or reinforcing prior lessons.
Why Use an MLK Facts Worksheet?
1. Builds Foundational Knowledge
This worksheet provides a quick yet comprehensive summary of Dr. King’s life and accomplishments, supporting both reading comprehension and social studies learning.
2. Supports History and Civics Instruction
Teachers can use it to kickstart discussions on civil rights, activism, equality, and American history.
3. Perfect for MLK Day or Black History Month
Whether used as a warm-up, independent reading, or a companion to a video or book, this printable helps contextualize the holiday and Dr. King’s importance.
4. Simple, Accessible, and Classroom-Ready
With clear sentences and high-quality content, students from late elementary to middle school can engage with the material easily.
5. Encourages Thoughtful Discussion
After reading, teachers can invite students to reflect on questions like:
- What challenges did Dr. King work to overcome?
- Why is nonviolence an important part of his legacy?
- How do his ideas still matter today?
How to Use This Worksheet in Your Lessons
Here are a few effective ways to integrate the MLK Facts worksheet into your teaching routine:
Morning Work
Use it as a quick reading passage to begin your MLK Day or Black History Month lessons.
Reading Comprehension Extension
Pair the worksheet with comprehension questions, graphic organizers, or a vocabulary list.
Social Studies Activity
Use it during a Civil Rights Movement unit to highlight key events and leaders.
Writing Prompt Starter
Invite students to write:
- A summary of Dr. King’s life
- A short paragraph on what “equality” means to them
- A reflection on the “I Have a Dream” speech
Skills Supported
The MLK Facts worksheet strengthens:
- Reading comprehension
- Historical understanding
- Vocabulary development
- Critical thinking
- Social-emotional awareness (fairness, courage, equality)
Usage Terms
These printable worksheets are provided free for personal and educational use only. By downloading, you agree:
- Not to sell, redistribute, or use commercially.
- Not to claim as your own work.
- Not to host the PDF file on other websites (please link back to this page instead).
Optional attribution is appreciated but not required. Perfect for classroom, homeschool, and personal use.
Please share the link to this article rather than the PDF directly.
Download Your Free MLK Facts: Who Is Martin Luther King Jr.? Printable Worksheet
Getting your free printable is simple! Click the link below to download the PDF file and start the fun today.
