Activity Overview
Read-alouds are excellent tools for teachers both in the classroom, and virtually. When tied to a specific topic, such as slavery, they help the students spark discussions about difficult subjects, share their views, and learn new vocabulary.
Henry’s Freedom Box is a picture book based on a true story. Henry was an enslaved man who decided to escape in the bravest way when his wife and three children were sold. His story is one of true courage and determination. For this activity, teachers may read the book aloud to the whole class, discussing as they read, or assign the book in small groups or independently for older children. Next, students will choose three challenges that Henry faces and create a spider map illustrating and describing those challenges.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map illustrating challenges that Henry faces.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify 3 challenges and write them in the headings.
- Write a short description in the description boxes.
- Create an image for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The challenge descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The challenge descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The challenge descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the challenges using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the challenges, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the challenges. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Read-alouds are excellent tools for teachers both in the classroom, and virtually. When tied to a specific topic, such as slavery, they help the students spark discussions about difficult subjects, share their views, and learn new vocabulary.
Henry’s Freedom Box is a picture book based on a true story. Henry was an enslaved man who decided to escape in the bravest way when his wife and three children were sold. His story is one of true courage and determination. For this activity, teachers may read the book aloud to the whole class, discussing as they read, or assign the book in small groups or independently for older children. Next, students will choose three challenges that Henry faces and create a spider map illustrating and describing those challenges.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map illustrating challenges that Henry faces.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Identify 3 challenges and write them in the headings.
- Write a short description in the description boxes.
- Create an image for each, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The challenge descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The challenge descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The challenge descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the challenges using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the challenges, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the challenges. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Henry\'s Freedom Box Activity
Engage students in meaningful historical discussions using picture books
Use picture books like Henry’s Freedom Box to spark thoughtful class conversations about history, empathy, and resilience. This approach supports critical thinking and helps students connect personally to historical events.
Preview sensitive topics before reading
Address challenging themes upfront to prepare students emotionally and intellectually. Explain context and allow space for questions, ensuring a respectful and safe learning environment.
Guide students to make personal connections
Encourage students to relate Henry’s challenges to times they’ve faced difficulties. Facilitate reflection to deepen understanding and promote empathy within the classroom.
Support diverse learning styles during the activity
Offer choices for how students create their spider maps—drawing, using digital tools, or writing. Accommodate different abilities so every student can participate and express their ideas meaningfully.
Celebrate student work with a sharing session
Host a gallery walk or class discussion where students present their spider maps. Encourage positive feedback and highlight diverse perspectives to build community and reinforce learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Henry\'s Freedom Box Activity
What is Henry’s Freedom Box and how can I use it for a classroom activity?
Henry’s Freedom Box is a picture book based on the true story of Henry Brown, an enslaved man who escaped to freedom. Teachers can use it for a read-aloud, spark discussions about slavery, and assign activities like creating spider maps of the challenges Henry faced.
How do I create a spider map for Henry’s Freedom Box in my lesson?
To create a spider map, have students identify three key challenges Henry faced in the story, write each in a heading, add a short description, and illustrate each challenge with relevant images or drawings.
What are some discussion questions for Henry’s Freedom Box read-aloud?
Consider asking: What challenges did Henry face? How did he show courage? Why is his story important? These questions help students reflect on the story and its historical context.
What is the best way to introduce the topic of slavery to elementary students using Henry’s Freedom Box?
Start with a read-aloud of Henry’s Freedom Box, pause for discussion, encourage students to share thoughts, and use activities like spider maps to help them understand the challenges Henry faced, making the topic accessible and age-appropriate.
Can Henry’s Freedom Box activity be used for group or individual work?
Yes, the activity is flexible and can be done individually or in groups, allowing students to collaborate or work independently based on classroom needs.
More Storyboard That Activities
Black History K-5
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
