Learning from Inspiring People in January

January is a natural time to slow down, reflect, and think about new beginnings. It’s also a wonderful month to introduce young learners to real people who made a difference through perseverance, kindness, leadership, and curiosity.

For Kindergarten through 2nd grade, learning about notable individuals works best when the focus is on big ideas rather than dates and details. Three figures that fit beautifully into January learning are Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., and Benjamin Franklin.

Although they lived at different times and worked in different ways, Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., and Benjamin Franklin share something important: they each found ways to use their strengths to help others.

Helen Keller reminds students that challenges do not stop learning or communication.

Martin Luther King Jr. teaches fairness, kindness, and standing up for what is right.

Benjamin Franklin shows the power of curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Together, they offer meaningful opportunities for nonfiction learning with gentle social-emotional connections.

January provides natural connections to each of these individuals:

World Braille Day (January 4) is a perfect time to learn about Helen Keller and how people communicate in different ways.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15) invites conversations about kindness, fairness, and helping others.

Benjamin Franklin Day (January 17) is a fun opportunity to explore inventions, curiosity, and learning from mistakes.

Keeping lessons simple and student-centered helps young learners focus on understanding rather than memorization.

Picture books and simple biographies help bring these people to life. Here are a few teacher-favorite read-aloud books that work well for K–2:

Helen Keller by Gare Thompson

Who Was Helen Keller? 

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta

Who Was Ben Franklin? 

These books encourage discussion, questions, and reflection.

5 Simple Activities for K–2 include:

These activities can be used with any of the three people and work well during January routines:

Character Traits Chart: Discuss traits such as kind, brave, curious, fair, and helpful.

Problem & Solution: Identify a challenge each person faced and how they helped others.

Directed Drawing & Writing: Draw the person and write one simple fact or sentence.

Then & Now Comparison: Talk about how life long ago was different from today.

How Can I Help? Reflection: Encourage students to think about small ways they can help others.

These activities keep learning thoughtful, calm, and developmentally appropriate.

Studying inspiring people in January helps set a positive tone for the year ahead. It encourages students to see that learning, kindness, and curiosity can make a difference — no matter how young they are.

If you’re looking for classroom resources to support this learning, you can find my Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., and Benjamin Franklin fact booklets in my Teachers Pay Teachers store here:

January is a wonderful time to learn from the past while looking forward with hope!