The life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically cut short at the age of 39. However, during his brief years, he became one of the most influential leaders in the American Civil Rights Movement, marked by significant events that transformed society. This printable Martin Luther King Jr. timeline serves as an educational tool for students to delve deeper into the life and legacy of this remarkable figure.
Martin Luther King Jr. Timeline
Included in your free printable timeline are these significant events:
- 1929: Michael King (later known as Martin Luther King Jr.) is born.
- 1946: Dr. King’s letter asserting the rights of Black citizens is published in the Atlanta Constitution.
- 1948: King joins the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta as assistant pastor.
- 1953: Coretta Scott and Martin Luther King Jr. are married.
- 1954: King becomes pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Alabama.
- 1955: Rosa Parks’ actions lead to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which Dr. King helps lead.
- 1956: King’s home is bombed while he speaks at a meeting.
- 1957: In Washington, D.C., Dr. King delivers his first national address.
- 1958: King is stabbed during a book signing in Harlem.
- 1963: Dr. King writes his influential “Letter From Birmingham Jail.”
- 1963: During the March on Washington, King delivers his renowned “I Have a Dream” speech.
- 1964: Dr. King is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
- 1965: Civil rights leaders, including King, lead a march from Selma to Montgomery.
- 1968: Dr. King is assassinated at the age of 39.
How To Use This Timeline in Your Classroom
Jigsaw Activity
Assign each student (or group of students) a specific event from the timeline to research in greater detail. Following their research, have students pair up to share their findings with one another. This activity can span multiple days, allowing students ample time to delve into their topics and present their knowledge.
Timeline Slideshow
This activity is similar to a jigsaw. Each student or group prepares one or more slides on the event they’ve been assigned. Once complete, compile the slides into a cohesive presentation to share with the entire class.
Historical Journal Entry
Encourage students to select one event from the timeline to research further. Afterward, they can write a journal entry from the perspective of someone living during that time. This could be a witness to the event, a friend or family member of Dr. King, or an average citizen who learned about the event through the news.
Timeline Sequencing
Cut the timeline into pieces and paste each event onto a note card (without dates). Mix them up and challenge students to rearrange them in the correct chronological order on a blank timeline that only includes the dates.
Cause and Effect
Prompt students to reflect on the cause and effect of one or more events from the timeline. They can write an essay on the topic or engage in a classroom discussion to share their insights.
Illustrated Timeline
Paste the timeline onto the center of a large piece of poster board. Ask students to enhance it by adding illustrations for each event. They can create original drawings or print images from the internet to include.
Writing Prompts
Share the timeline with your students and present prompts like these for them to respond to:
- Which of these events do you believe was the most significant in a historical context? Explain your reasoning.
- What event do you wish you could have witnessed? Describe what that experience might have been like.
- Consider the time gaps between certain events. What do you think transpired during those intervals?
Download Your Free Printable Martin Luther King Jr. Timeline!
Click the button below and complete the form on this page to gain instant access to your free printable Martin Luther King Jr. timeline. Utilize it for classroom activities as you discover the life of this extraordinary civil rights icon.
Plus, Meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Activities for All Ages.
