1/11/2027

Morning Announcements

Morning Meeting Agenda

Mon · Social Studies Tue · Literacy Wed · Science Thu · Math Fri · ROAR + Houses
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 18 — no school
Social Studies of the Day

He didn’t just give speeches

Everyone knows Dr. King had a dream. Fewer people know he had a strategy — and that the changes he won came from years of organized, disciplined, difficult work.

Portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! A long time ago, there were unfair rules that kept Black people and white people apart. Dr. King helped change those rules — using only his words and peaceful marching.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Next Monday is a special day just for him. Here is what he taught us:

Everyone is equal Use kind words Never give up

Three things Dr. King taught us!

Let’s talk
  • What does fair mean? Can you give me an example of something fair?
  • Dr. King used words instead of fighting. Why is that harder than it sounds?
  • If you saw something unfair at school, who could you tell?
Reveal a fact about Dr. KingHide the fact
Dr. King was born on January 15 — that’s this Friday! And he started college when he was only 15 years old.
Try it

Words are powerful! Turn to a partner and say one kind, true thing about them. Dr. King believed words could change the world — let’s start with this room.

Quote of the day: “The time is always right to do what is right.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Oberlin College, 1965

Portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — born January 15, 1929. He entered college at 15, earned a doctorate, and became the most recognized leader of the American civil rights movement. He won the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35, the youngest person to receive it at that time.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Here’s what usually gets left out: the March on Washington was one day. The work looked like this.

Change took years, not moments 381 DAYS The Montgomery Bus Boycott — people walked to work 29 ARRESTS He was jailed again and again for peaceful protest 13 YEARS From Montgomery in 1955 to his death in 1968

A movement, not a moment.

Let’s talk
  • 381 days of walking to work. What would it take for a whole community to keep that up for over a year?
  • King chose nonviolence deliberately — as a strategy, not just a feeling. Why might it be more effective than fighting back?
  • “The time is always right to do what is right.” What does that rule out as an excuse?
Reveal the answersHide the answers
The boycott worked because of organization — carpools, church networks, people giving rides for free. It was logistics as much as courage. Nonviolence was strategic: when peaceful marchers were attacked, the whole country saw who was actually causing harm, and public opinion shifted. And King’s line rules out “not now,” “not yet,” and “wait for a better time.” He was writing against people who agreed with him but wanted him to slow down. Remember César Chávez from September? Same playbook — boycotts, organizing, nonviolence.
Try it

Apply the quote! Think of one right thing you’ve been putting off — an apology, a task, standing up for someone. King’s rule says there’s no better time coming. Do it today and tell no one you did it.

Additional Notes/Activities

If additional activities are needed for the Morning Meeting, they will be added here.