January Topic: Civil Rights Day

January 15th is Civil Rights Day in the United States. It is a day to celebrate and honor all those who took part in the American Civil Rights Movement (video) in the 1960's. It also celebrates the contributions of activist Martin Luther King, Jr., who was well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation and to promote black equality in the United States and globally.

Your ESL students may find this topic interesting as it will give them an insight into America's history of human rights.

Listen to Martin Luther King's Famous Speech "I Have a Dream" - Have your students take notes and then discuss as a class.

RECOMMENDED ESL LINKS AROUND THE TOPIC OF 'CIVIL RIGHTS':

EL Civics: A picture vocabulary lesson on the Civil Rights Movement

My English Pages: Related readings and resources on Civil Rights Day

ESL Printables: Teaching civil rights worksheets - membership site

VOA News Learning English: Civil Rights Movement (listening and reading)

LOC: Civil Rights lesson plans
ESL Library: Martin Luther King Jr, Reading and Comprehension  - membership site
Quizlet: Civil Rights Movement vocabulary flashcards
ISL Collective: Civil Rights Movement worksheet (reading and vocabulary)

ESL Holiday Lessons: Martin Luther King Day reading and activities
English Online: A reading on the Civil Rights Movement with vocabulary
English Exercises: A listening and vocabulary exercise "Ruby Bridges Goes to School"
ESOL Courses: A lesson with activities on Rosa Parks
Discovery Education: Lesson plan on the Civil Rights Movement

YouTube: Lenny Kravitz Black and White America - with lyrics

Recommended Movie:  The Help 

Recommended for: High Intermediate/Advanced Students

An aspiring author during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African-American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.