Free Printable Martin Luther King Jr Word Search

A Martin Luther King Jr word search is an easy way to help kids review key vocabulary and ideas connected to Dr. King’s life.

It works well as a quick warm-up, a quiet independent task, or an add-on to a January or civil rights lesson.

The puzzle includes 16 important words tied to courage, equality, and history, and students can work through it without extra explanation. An answer key is included to keep it fully low-prep for classrooms and homeschool days alike.

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Martin Luther King Day Word Search

Word searches work well when you want something calm, focused, and still tied to meaningful learning.

This Martin Luther King Jr word search includes 16 key terms connected to Dr. King’s work and the broader civil rights movement, giving students a quick way to review important vocabulary.

The words appear in every direction, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards, and backwards, so the puzzle has a bit more challenge. An answer key is included for easy checking.

Tip: Highlighters or circles work best when marking words, since some letters overlap with more than one term.

Words included:

If you want to extend the activity, use a few of the words for quick discussion. Asking students what “courage,” “freedom,” or “peaceful” meant in Dr. King’s work helps connect the vocabulary to the history behind it.

Additional Black History Month Activities

If you want to build on the word search, here are a few more Martin Luther King Jr. worksheets for kids that fit well with lessons on the civil rights movement:

• Try the Martin Luther King word scramble for a quick vocabulary review that builds on the same themes.
• Use the Black History Month word scramble to introduce or reinforce important figures and events from across the movement.
• The Black History word search offers another simple way for students to explore key names and concepts.
• The Martin Luther King Jr facts printable adds short, kid-friendly explanations paired with a coloring section to support comprehension.
• The Martin Luther King Jr crossword gives older students a more structured way to review what they’ve learned.

Books About Martin Luther King Jr

I always find that pairing a quick activity with a short reading helps kids make stronger connections, especially with topics as important as Dr. King’s life and work. These are a few titles that fit well with the printable and give kids different ways to understand his story.

King: A Life – A detailed biography that looks closely at Dr. King’s leadership, challenges, and personal journey. It’s a strong choice if you want deeper context for your own teaching or planning.

I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World – A collection of Dr. King’s most powerful speeches and writings. It’s helpful for older kids who are ready to see his ideas in his own words.

Who Was Martin Luther King Jr? – A clear, approachable introduction for younger readers. It explains his life and accomplishments in a way that feels accessible without losing the importance of his work.

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Last Updated on 17 November 2025 by Clare Brown