Acknowledging Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Math Classroom
- wlsymmetry
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
As a math teacher, I am very aware that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just another date on the calendar. It represents a critical moment in U.S. history and ongoing conversations about civil rights, equity, and justice that deserve care and respect.
At the same time, math teachers often face real instructional constraints, especially in testing grades. The challenge is how to acknowledge MLK Day thoughtfully and responsibly within the context of a math classroom.
Honoring the Day Without Trivializing It
Acknowledging Martin Luther King Jr. Day requires intentional choices that respect both the significance of the day and the role of math instruction. For me, that meant avoiding activities that feel rushed, performative, or disconnected from learning goals, and instead choosing materials that are:
Thoughtful and appropriate
Academically purposeful
Calm and structured
Realistic for real classrooms
Keeping Math at the Center of Instruction
In a math classroom, the goal is not to replace history instruction or oversimplify Dr. King’s work. During MLK week, schedules are often disrupted by assemblies or shortened periods. Having an activity that allows students to stay engaged in meaningful math work can be an important part of maintaining consistency while still acknowledging the day.
A Math-First Approach for MLK Week
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day Solve and Color activity was created specifically for Grade 6 math and aligns directly to 6.RP.A.3c (percent of a number).
Students solve 12 percent problems and use their answers to complete a color-by-number image. The math determines the outcome, and incorrect calculations are immediately visible.
What makes this type of activity work well during MLK week:
Math remains the primary focus
The image sparks conversation
The structure supports independent work
Teachers decide how much context or discussion to include
The resource includes two student versions and a colored image answer key, making it easy to implement and quick to check.
Looking for a Low-Prep MLK Day Math Activity?
If you are looking for a Grade 6 Percent activity that fits seamlessly into your math block during MLK week, this solve and color resource was designed with math teachers in mind.
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