I Have A Dream Lesson Plan | Study.com (2025)

• The video lesson
• Copies of the speech I Have A Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one for each student
• Audio of King's speech I Have A Dream

• Anaphora
• Allusion
• Metaphor
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• The Declaration of Independence

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.2

Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.4

• Engage students with the topic by having them listen to the audio of Dr. King's speech I Have A Dream. Share and discuss responses.
• Tell students they will read, summarize, and analyze the speech. Pass out copies of the speech and read together as a class. Ask students to brainstorm what makes it so powerful and record answers on the board.
• Now display the video lesson and ask students to watch the first section 'A Nod to Honest Abe.' Have students annotate the speech with information from the lesson, then ask:
  • Why did Dr. King begin his speech in this way?
  • What significance does the location of the speech have?
• Watch the next four sections with students: 'A Bad Check,' 'The Time is Now,' 'Ultimate Goals,' and 'I Have a Dream.' Have students take notes in the margin of the speech as you read, then discuss:
  • How was the Declaration of Independence a 'promissory note?'
  • Why does Dr. King warn against waiting to take action?
  • How does Dr. King tell listeners not to allow the revolution to become bitter?
  • What were the demands listed in the speech?
  • Why does Dr. King wait to list the dreams until last?
• Review the literary techniques anaphora, allusion, and metaphor, then watch these sections with students, pointing out and highlighting examples in the speech.
• Have students watch the Lesson Summary and answer any remaining questions. Have students take the quiz to ensure understanding.

Activity

• Students will now apply information from the lesson to create their own I Have A Dream… speech.
• Instruct students to brainstorm ideas they have for what they dream. Have them follow and use the same format and style as outlined in Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech.
• As students brainstorm, walk around to offer suggestions and guidance.
• When students are ready, allow them to transfer speech to a final copy either on nice paper or typed into a document.
• Allow students to give their speech in front of the class if desired, encouraging other students to offer feedback and analyze.

• Read and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
• Listen to and analyze other speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Compare and contrast to the I Have A Dream speech.

• The Civil Rights Movement During the 1960s