1. Martin Luther King, Jr.
on Character & Education
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

2. Martin Luther King on Character
and Education
Martin Luther King, Jr.
on Character &
Education is an
educational program
that can utilize
volunteers of all ages to
teach a simple lesson
on “character and the
content of our
character.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

3. Show MLK- “I Have a Dream” speech
Show this speech to your group.
Then ask the kids in your group to give
THEIR ideas of what Dr. King might have
meant by THE CONTENT OF OUR
CHARACTER.
See the following slides.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

4. Quotes
“Intelligence plus character-
that is the goal of true
education.”
“I have a dream . . .that one
day, my children will be
judged not by the color of
their skin but by the content
of their character.”
Wonderful words, but what
exactly, is this “content” he is
speaking about?
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

5. What Words Come to Mind When you
think of Character?
Ask your group to brainstorm some meaningful words
that describe what the Content of our Character
might mean?
Write these on a board so they are visible.
Get everybody involved. Call on everyone to give
them an opportunity to speak.
After that, present the 10 Virtues in the slides and
discuss these.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

6. For Notes
1.
2.
3.
4.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

7. The Content of Our Character
These are 10 virtues, among many that
you may find of value.
Wisdom-good judgment, which enables us to
make reasoned decisions, good for ourselves
and for others.
Justice-means respecting the rights of all
people.
Fortitude-enables us to do what is right in the
face of difficulty.
Self-Control-the ability to govern ourselves.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

8. The Content of Our Character
Love-love goes beyond justice and fairness,
it’s essence is living for the sake of others.
Positive Attitude-our attitude is something
we choose.
Hard Work-without this, nothing meaningful
in life is achieved.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

9. The Content of Our Character
Integrity-adhering to moral principles.
Fundamentally, it is telling the truth to oneself.
Gratitude-like love and a positive attitude,
being grateful is not a feeling, but an act of
the will.
Humility-the ability to be aware of our
imperfections allows us to grow, improve and
mature.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

10. Do you know people who have some
of the Character Traits just shown?
Who are they?
What did they do that made you think of them
in this way?
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

11. For Notes
1.
2.
3.
4.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

12. Why is Character Important, or Not?
How does good character or bad character
effect your life, your family, school and
community?
Involve everyone in the discussion.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

13. For Notes
1.
2.
3.
4.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

14. Select a Story
From the Discovering the Real Me books,
select a story to read and practice with your
partner.
The story should be suitable for the age of
kids you will be teaching.
You should be prepared to give a
presentation, using your story at the end of
the day.
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

15. Stories Which Highlight Character
Read any of these stories to students, using
the exercises and discussion points.
For Elementary Grades from Discovering the
Real Me, Student Book #4
The Red Shoes
The Frog Prince
Mother Holly
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

16. Stories Which Highlight Character
Read any of these stories to students, using
the exercises and discussion points.
For Middle School Grades from Discovering
the Real Me, Student Book #7
Brendan and the Bullies
Finding Your Way Home
No Fair!
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

17. Stories Which Highlight Character
Read any of these stories to students, using
the exercises and discussion points.
For High School Grades from Discovering the
Real Me, Student Book #12
Choosing Your Destiny
Making a Difference Through Service
A Life Worth Living
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

18. Action Plan
Make a plan to study and present with your partner.
Study a specific story.
With your Teen Director, make a plan to present your
story to a classroom, church or other organization
near where you live.
Relax, you don’t need to feel like you are an expert.
Do your best and have fun!
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

19. Acknowledgements
Character Matters: How to Help our Children Develop
Good Judgment, Integrity, And Other Essential
Values
By Thomas Lickona
Copyright 2004
Published by Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Discovering the Real Me: Student Textbooks 4, 7 and
12
Universal Peace Federation
Copyright 2006
Published by UPF International
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education

20. For Sponsorship Information-Contact
Robert L. Sayre
Director-Words & Voices of MLK
Robert.sayre1@gmail.com
484-707-4529
Martin Luther King, Jr. on Character & Education