Free Printable Martin Luther King Jr. Facts for Kids
Printable Martin Luther King Jr. facts are an easy way to introduce kids to who Dr. King was and why his work still matters.
I’ve always found that short, kid-friendly facts paired with simple coloring space help make big ideas like fairness and courage feel more accessible.
This fact sheet keeps things clear and manageable. Brief sentences, approachable visuals, and no extra prep, so it works well for quick lessons at home or in the classroom.
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Martin Luther King Facts for Kids
The printable includes eight kid-friendly facts across two simple pages kids can read and color.
Each one is short, clear, and designed to help children understand the major moments in Dr. King’s life:
Martin Luther King Jr. was so bright that he skipped two grades in high school and entered college at just 15 years old.
His famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in 1963, is one of the most famous speeches in American history. Focusing on his dream of a world where people are judged by their character, not their skin color.
At age 35, King was the youngest man at the time to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Honored for his work in civil rights and peace.
King was arrested nearly 30 times. One of his arrests led to the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” where he wrote about justice and equality.
He was married to Coretta Scott King and had four children, continuing his legacy of love, peace, and equality.
His birthday, January 15th, is celebrated as a national holiday in the United States, honoring his life and contributions to the world.
There are over 900 streets named after Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States. As well as numerous others around the world. This reflects his global impact and the widespread recognition of his contributions to civil rights and equality.
In 1986, Stevie Wonder released the song “Happy Birthday” to honor King and support the campaign to make his birthday a national holiday.
Books to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with Kids
I’ve always found that books make conversations about Dr. King feel more grounded and approachable for kids. These are a few titles that have helped us talk about fairness, courage, and the world he hoped for, each one offering something a little different depending on your child’s age.
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. – A lovely choice for younger kids. The simple text and warm illustrations make Dr. King’s early life and message feel easy to understand, even for little ones who are just starting to learn about fairness and kindness.
I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World – This one works well for older kids who are ready to hear Dr. King’s words directly. Reading the “I Have a Dream” speech together has led to some really good discussions about hope, history, and what his message still means today.
Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? – A solid middle-grade option. The mix of storytelling and illustrations keeps kids engaged while giving them a clearer picture of who Dr. King was and why his leadership mattered.
More MLK Printables
If you’re looking to build out your lessons a bit more, these are a few extra MLK printables that work well alongside the fact sheet. They’re simple, low-prep, and easy to fit into a quick social studies block or a morning warm-up.
Martin Luther King word scramble – Kids get a mix of vocabulary connected to Dr. King’s life and message, and the puzzle format gives them something hands-on to do while they’re learning. It’s great for early finishers or quiet moments in the day.
Martin Luther King Jr color by number – A nice blend of art and history. The numbered sections keep things structured, and the finished picture always gives kids a sense of pride. It’s especially good if you want something calm but still meaningful.
Martin Luther King word search – Simple, familiar, and always a hit. It helps reinforce key terms without feeling like extra work, and kids usually settle right into it whether they’re at home or in the classroom.
These little activities pair well together if you want a short themed lesson without any heavy prep.
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Last Updated on 17 November 2025 by Clare Brown
