This week, Mrs. Banks first-grade classroom at West Irvine Elementary School were transformed into hubs of history and hope as students engaged in a social studies lesson on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The curriculum went beyond a simple biography, providing students with a multi-dimensional view of the civil rights leader’s work:
- Social Studies: Students explored the historical context of the 1950s and 60s, learning about the challenges Dr. King faced and his role in the American Civil Rights Movement.
- Civics: The lesson emphasized the importance of being a good citizen. Young learners discussed concepts of fairness, equality, and the power of using their voices to stand up for what is right.
- Geography: By tracing Dr. King’s journeys on a map—from his birthplace in Atlanta to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.—students gained understanding of how a message of peace can travel across a nation.
Brooklyn Banks
West Irvine Elementary School
Estill County
1st Grade


