Learning about Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important part of understanding American history and the civil rights movement. This printable worksheet pack is designed for a 4th grade level and helps kids explore not just who Martin Luther King Jr. was, but how MLK Day became a national holiday in the United States.
Especially with this year being the 20th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr Day holiday being created, it’s a great opportunity to learn more and find out how the Martin Luther King holiday came about.
Through short reading sections, vocabulary, timelines, and thoughtful questions, students learn that Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights leader whose birthday became a federal holiday only after years of effort, protests, petitions, and public support. The activities also highlight the role of musician Stevie Wonder, the support of leaders like Coretta Scott King, and the moment President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law.
This makes a great resource for classrooms, homeschooling, or families who want to go deeper into the history of MLK Day in a way that feels approachable and meaningful.
History: The Fight for MLK Day Worksheet
Below is the text from each page of our 4 page PDF worksheet pack, and you can download the pdf at the end of this blog post. Through these activities, kids will learn about when was mlk day established and what it took to bring this occasion into reality.
A Holiday Worth Fighting For
Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day was not always a holiday?
After Dr. King passed away in 1968, many people wanted a special day to honor him and his work as a civil rights leader in the American civil rights movement. They wanted a federal holiday so the whole country could stop and remember his impact on freedom, equality, and civil rights.
However, it took 15 years of arguing, marching, and voting before the government finally said yes. The original bill was introduced shortly after his death, but it faced strong opposition in Congress. It was not until 1983 that President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law, and the holiday was first celebrated nationwide in 1986. Today, Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday of January.
Key Vocabulary for MLK Day
Federal Holiday
A special day recognized by the United States government where offices and schools are often closed.
Bill
A proposal for a new law that is discussed and voted on by Congress.
Petition
A written request signed by many people asking leaders to change something.
Rally
A large public meeting to support a cause or idea.
The Song That Changed History 🎶
In the early 1980s, the fight for the King holiday was stuck. Many politicians voted no. Some thought it would cost too much money to give workers a day off, while others did not believe Dr. King’s birthday should become a national holiday.
That’s when musician Stevie Wonder decided to help. Instead of giving speeches, he used music. In 1980, he released the song “Happy Birthday.” This was not just a celebration song. The lyrics pushed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to become a national day of recognition. Stevie Wonder toured the country performing the song and held large rallies to raise awareness.
His work helped reach young people and families across the states, making it harder for leaders to ignore the call for change.
Martin Luther King Jr Day Cloze Activity: The Song That Changed History
Word bank: awareness, petition, politicians, rejected, music
Before Stevie Wonder helped, many ________ had voted against the holiday. Stevie Wonder used his ________ to reach young people who might not listen to speeches. He helped gather millions of signatures for a ________, which is a list of names asking for change. His song spread ________ about the cause, making it impossible for the government to ignore.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Timeline of the Struggle
1968
Dr. King is assassinated. Representative John Conyers introduces the first bill to make his birthday a holiday.
1979
The bill is finally voted on in the House of Representatives, but it loses by five votes.
1981
Stevie Wonder holds a Rally for Peace in Washington, D.C. A petition with six million signatures is delivered.
1983
President Ronald Reagan signs the bill into law, officially creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday.
Math Check
Use the timeline above to answer the question.
How many years passed between the first bill being introduced and the President finally signing it into law?
a) 5 years
b) 10 years
c) 15 years
d) 20 years
Understanding the Opposition
Today, it may seem obvious that Martin Luther King Jr. Day should be celebrated. But in the 1970s and early 1980s, many people gave reasons for saying no.
Word bank: expensive, tradition, private
Some people argued it was too ________ because paying government workers to stay home costs millions of dollars.
Others said Dr. King was a ________ citizen, not a president or general, and usually only presidents received holidays.
Some people simply did not want to break ________ or celebrate a leader of the civil rights movement.
Your Voice ✍️
Stevie Wonder used a catchy song to get people’s attention. Think about a cause or change you care about.
Why do you think music and art can sometimes be more powerful than just asking nicely or writing a letter?
History of MLK Holiday Worksheet Answer Key
The Song That Changed History
Before Stevie Wonder helped, many politicians had voted against the holiday. Stevie Wonder used his music to reach young people who might not listen to speeches. He helped gather millions of signatures for a petition, which is a list of names asking for change. His song spread awareness about the cause, making it impossible for the government to ignore.
Timeline of the Struggle
- 15 years
- It showed that millions of regular people wanted the holiday.
Understanding the Opposition
Some people argued it was too expensive because paying government workers to stay home costs millions of dollars.
Others said Dr. King was a private citizen, not a president or general, and usually only presidents got holidays.
Some people simply did not want to break tradition or celebrate a leader of the civil rights movement.
Note – Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday is January 15, 1929. However, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year so more people across the United States can observe the holiday, which is why the date changes from year to year.
Download the The History of Martin Luther King Jr Day Worksheet PDF
You can download the full Martin Luther King Jr. Day history worksheet pack as a printable PDF. It’s perfect for 4th grade classrooms, homeschooling, or family learning during January as you explore what MLK Day is, when it was established, and why it matters.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a day off school. It’s a national holiday that represents years of struggle, courage, and hope led by activists like Coretta Scott King, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and many supporters across the United States including Stevie Wonder. Understanding the history of MLK Day helps kids see how change happens and why voices, art, and persistence matter.
More Activities for Martin Luther King Day
Looking for more things to do on MLK Day? You might also enjoy art activities inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., discussion prompts about the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Day of Service ideas, and simple projects that help kids reflect on fairness, kindness, and standing up for what’s right.
- Martin Luther King Jr Art Project for Kids
- Dr Martin Luther King Jr Color By Number
- Free Printable Martin Luther King Jr Coloring Sheets MLK Day
- Free Printable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Worksheet for Kids
If you found this mlk jr. day worksheet pack helpful, please consider sharing this blog post with other teachers, parents, or homeschool families. And if you use these activities, we’d love to see how they work for you.
