( CNN Student News ) -- Discussion Questions . 1 . When did the U.S. government establish a holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ? When in January does this holiday typically take place ? 2. Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ? What are some of his accomplishments ? What cause did he work for ? How did he approach this cause ? How did he think that people should bring about political and social change ? 3 . What is the title of Dr. King 's most well-known speech ? When and where was this speech given ? What do you think Dr. King was trying to say in this speech ? Why do you think that it has become so famous ? 4 . How does community service play a role in the MLK holiday ? What does `` A day on , not a day off '' mean ? What are some of the activities that people participate in to observe the holiday in Dr. King 's honor ? Activities . 1 . Read or listen to Dr. King 's famous `` I have a dream '' speech . What were the points Dr. King was trying to make ? What views did he express on equality ? Why do you think that he chose to promote peaceful protest as a means to that end ? What are your reactions to this speech ? Share your thoughts with the class or write them in a journal . 2 . In the `` I have a dream '' speech , Dr. King says that he hopes that one day , his children `` will be judged not by the color of their skin , but by the content of their character . '' What does this mean ? Create artwork , song lyrics or an interactive presentation that captures what Dr. King meant when he spoke of the content of one 's character . Share your creation with the class . 3 . Many people volunteer for community service projects on MLK Day . If you have ever been part of a community service project , share your experience with the class and talk about how the community benefited from the project , and what you got out of helping others . If you have never been involved in community service , consider what you could do to help someone else . Do you have a talent or skill , however small , that might help someone else ? Elderly neighbors might appreciate your willingness to pick up their mail , for example . Another student might need help in a subject that you excel in . And if you are capable ( and have your parents ' permission ) , you might even consider being part of a bigger project , like landscaping around a school or painting a community center . Think about what you can do , not just on MLK Day , but on a regular basis to help your community be a better place , and then make a commitment to make it happen . Standards . Social Studies . V. Individuals , Groups and Institutions . Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of interactions among individuals , groups , and institutions . VI . Power , Authority and Governance . Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of how people create and change structures of power , authority , and governance . The Curriculum Standards for Social Studies ( http : //www.socialstudies.org/standards/strands/ ) are published by the National Council for Social Studies ( http : //www.socialstudies.org/ ) . Resources . The Martin Luther King , Jr. Research and Education Institute ( http : //mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/ ) Constitution.net : The I Have a Dream Speech ( http : //www.usconstitution.net/dream.html ) Martin Luther King , Jr. Day of Service ( http : //www.mlkday.gov/ ) The King Center ( http : //www.thekingcenter.org/ )
Monday , January 18 , 2010 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day . Use these questions and activities to address the holiday and the man whom it honors . Feel free to adapt these questions and activities to accommodate students of different grade levels and learning styles .