Martin Luther King Jr. Word Scramble Free Printable

A Martin Luther King Jr. word scramble is a nice way to weave vocabulary, history, and a short moment of reflection into the day.

I like using puzzles like this because kids settle into them quickly, and the words naturally open the door to conversations about who Dr. King was and why his work matters.

This one focuses on 13 key terms that fit smoothly into January lessons or any time you’re highlighting his legacy.

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Unscramble the Martin Luther King Themed Words

This Martin Luther King Jr. word scramble gives kids a simple way to work with important vocabulary while learning about his life and message. It’s straightforward to use, and the words naturally lend themselves to short conversations about fairness, leadership, and the civil rights movement.

There are two versions included. One has small hints around the border to support newer readers, and the second removes all clues for students who want a bit more of a challenge. Both word scramble printables work well for January lessons, morning work, stations, or any day you’re highlighting Dr. King’s impact.

Martin Luther King Jr. Word List

This word scramble includes 13 terms connected to Dr. King and the values he championed:

The mix of words keeps the puzzle approachable while still building vocabulary and spelling practice. Teachers often use it as a quick warm-up, a quiet independent task, or a way to start a short discussion about the civil rights movement.

More Martin Luther King Jr Activities

If you want to pair the word scramble with something else, these simple MLK activities work well alongside it.

Martin Luther King Jr. color by number pages give kids a creative way to explore key ideas from his life. As they color, the images naturally prompt questions about the events and symbols connected to the civil rights movement.

You can also use the Martin Luther King Jr. word search, which focuses on core vocabulary from his speeches and work. It’s an easy independent task that builds attention and reinforces the themes you’ve already introduced.

Both printables add variety to your January lessons and help keep discussions grounded in Dr. King’s message.

Best Books About Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids

These are the books I’ve found most helpful for making Dr. King’s life feel real and understandable for kids. Each one handles big ideas in a way that’s age-appropriate without losing the weight of his message.

1. I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. – Part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series, this one keeps the story simple and hopeful, which works well for younger readers.
2. Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The illustrations and use of Dr. King’s own words make this a strong read-aloud. It always sparks good questions.
3. A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. A straightforward introduction that covers the major events of his life, great for early readers who need clear, concise storytelling.
4. My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Written by his son, this one brings a more personal angle that helps kids understand Dr. King as both a leader and a father.

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Last Updated on 17 November 2025 by Clare Brown