Activity Overview
One of Douglass’s main goals throughout his narrative is to debunk a number of claims slavery supporters commonly used to justify slavery. Douglass chooses his topics carefully in order to respond to popular misconceptions. Using a T Chart, students can identify and share the myths Douglass uses to strengthen his abolitionist argument. They will depict the pro-slavery myths Douglass attacks in one column and contrast it with depictions of the realities that Douglass explains. Students can accompany the storyboards with explanations in their own words or specific quotations from the narrative.
Extension Activity
As an extension, have students do further research into the myths and realities of slavery using other first hand accounts like Olaudah Equiano's autobiography. Students can add to their T-Chart or create a new one.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating the myth vs. reality of slavery.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the myths/pro-slavery views Douglass identifies.
- In the other column, describe the realities using direct quotes from the text or your own words.
- Create illustrations for each cell using appropriate characters, items, and scenes.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
One of Douglass’s main goals throughout his narrative is to debunk a number of claims slavery supporters commonly used to justify slavery. Douglass chooses his topics carefully in order to respond to popular misconceptions. Using a T Chart, students can identify and share the myths Douglass uses to strengthen his abolitionist argument. They will depict the pro-slavery myths Douglass attacks in one column and contrast it with depictions of the realities that Douglass explains. Students can accompany the storyboards with explanations in their own words or specific quotations from the narrative.
Extension Activity
As an extension, have students do further research into the myths and realities of slavery using other first hand accounts like Olaudah Equiano's autobiography. Students can add to their T-Chart or create a new one.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating the myth vs. reality of slavery.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the myths/pro-slavery views Douglass identifies.
- In the other column, describe the realities using direct quotes from the text or your own words.
- Create illustrations for each cell using appropriate characters, items, and scenes.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Busting Myths About Slavery
Design a classroom debate about slavery myths and realities
Encourage students to synthesize their learning by participating in a structured debate. Debates help students develop critical thinking and persuasive communication skills while deepening their understanding of Douglass's arguments and pro-slavery myths.
Assign debate roles to students
Divide the class into two groups: one representing pro-slavery advocates (using historical arguments) and the other representing abolitionists like Douglass. Assigning roles ensures all students engage with multiple perspectives and strengthens empathy and analytical skills.
Guide students to research historical perspectives
Have students gather supporting evidence from Douglass's narrative and other primary sources. This builds research skills and prepares students for informed debate by grounding arguments in actual texts and historical context.
Facilitate a respectful, structured classroom debate
Set clear rules for turn-taking and respectful listening. Moderate the discussion to ensure all voices are heard and myths are effectively challenged with factual realities from Douglass's narrative and other accounts.
Reflect on the debate and connect to modern issues
Encourage students to write brief reflections on what they learned and how the myths and realities of slavery relate to present-day social justice issues. This step deepens understanding and connects historical study to students' lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Busting Myths About Slavery
What are common myths about slavery that Frederick Douglass debunks in his narrative?
Frederick Douglass exposes several myths about slavery, such as the idea that enslaved people were content, incapable of education, or treated well. He reveals the harsh realities of violence, deprivation, and the humanity of enslaved individuals, using his personal experiences and direct quotes from his narrative.
How can students use a T-Chart to compare myths and realities of slavery?
Students can create a T-Chart by listing pro-slavery myths in one column and contrasting them with the factual realities Douglass describes in the other. Including quotes or their own explanations helps deepen understanding and supports critical thinking.
What are effective ways to teach the myth vs. reality of slavery in the classroom?
Effective methods include storyboarding using T-Charts, analyzing primary sources like Douglass’s and Equiano’s autobiographies, encouraging group discussions, and having students illustrate or write about the contrast between myths and real experiences of enslaved people.
Why is it important for students to study firsthand accounts like Frederick Douglass’s narrative?
Studying firsthand accounts like Douglass’s narrative helps students gain a deeper, more personal understanding of the realities of slavery, challenge historical misconceptions, and develop empathy and critical thinking skills.
How can students expand their T-Chart activity with extension research?
Students can expand their T-Chart by researching additional firsthand accounts, such as Olaudah Equiano’s autobiography, and adding new examples of myths and realities. This broadens their perspective and strengthens evidence-based learning.
More Storyboard That Activities
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
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