Activity Overview
Read alouds are excellent tools for teachers both in the classroom, and virtually. When tied to a specific topic, such as the Civil Rights Movement, they help the students spark discussions, share their views, and learn new vocabulary. Martin’s Big Words is a picture book about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and how words have had an impact on him since he was a child. Martin grew up to be a man who spoke words for a living, and used words to change the world. Some of the most famous words that Martin spoke were from his “I Have a Dream” speech, which was said in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the March On Washington.
For this activity, teachers may read the book aloud to the whole class, discussing as they read, or assign the book in small groups or independently for older children. Next, students will create a 2-3 cell spider map, illustrating dreams they have for the world. To differentiate, teachers may choose to use cells with just a heading and an illustration, or include a description box for students to explain their dreams.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Students will create a 2-3 cell spider map that illustrates their dreams for the future.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify your dreams for the future and write them in the headings.
- Write a short description in the description boxes.
- Create an image for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Read alouds are excellent tools for teachers both in the classroom, and virtually. When tied to a specific topic, such as the Civil Rights Movement, they help the students spark discussions, share their views, and learn new vocabulary. Martin’s Big Words is a picture book about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and how words have had an impact on him since he was a child. Martin grew up to be a man who spoke words for a living, and used words to change the world. Some of the most famous words that Martin spoke were from his “I Have a Dream” speech, which was said in front of hundreds of thousands of people at the March On Washington.
For this activity, teachers may read the book aloud to the whole class, discussing as they read, or assign the book in small groups or independently for older children. Next, students will create a 2-3 cell spider map, illustrating dreams they have for the world. To differentiate, teachers may choose to use cells with just a heading and an illustration, or include a description box for students to explain their dreams.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Students will create a 2-3 cell spider map that illustrates their dreams for the future.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify your dreams for the future and write them in the headings.
- Write a short description in the description boxes.
- Create an image for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Martin\'s Big Words: Illustrating Dreams
Guide students to connect Martin’s words with their own lives
Encourage students to reflect on how Dr. King’s messages relate to their personal experiences. Making personal connections builds deeper understanding and helps students see the relevance of big ideas in their daily lives.
Facilitate a classroom discussion about powerful words and their impact
Invite students to share examples of words or phrases that have inspired them. Highlight how language can spark change and motivate people, just like Martin’s famous speeches did.
Model brainstorming with a class chart of world-changing dreams
Create a chart together listing dreams your students have for their school, community, or world. Visual brainstorming helps students generate ideas and see the variety of hopes within the group.
Guide students through illustrating their dreams with meaningful details
Show students how to add specific people, places, and symbols to their illustrations. Encourage creative thinking and attention to detail so each drawing powerfully communicates their dream.
Support students in writing thoughtful descriptions for each dream
Prompt students to explain why each dream matters to them. Writing clear descriptions deepens understanding and gives students practice expressing their hopes in words.
Frequently Asked Questions about Martin\'s Big Words: Illustrating Dreams
What is Martin's Big Words about?
Martin's Big Words is a picture book that tells the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., focusing on how the power of words inspired him from childhood to adulthood and helped him change the world during the Civil Rights Movement.
How can I use Martin's Big Words as a classroom lesson?
You can use Martin's Big Words as a read-aloud to spark class discussions about the Civil Rights Movement. After reading, have students create a spider map to illustrate their own dreams for the world, tying personal reflection to Dr. King's message.
What is a spider map activity for Martin's Big Words?
A spider map activity involves students identifying and illustrating two or three dreams they have for the future, inspired by Dr. King's vision, using headings, descriptions, and images to organize their ideas visually.
How do you differentiate the Martin's Big Words spider map for different student levels?
To differentiate, offer options: younger students can use cells with just a heading and illustration, while older or advanced students add a description box to explain their dreams in more detail.
Why is Martin's Big Words a good choice for Black History Month lessons?
Martin's Big Words highlights Dr. King's impact and the importance of words in social change, making it an engaging resource for teaching Black History and fostering student reflection on equality and dreams for the future.
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