Activity Overview
The 5 Ws and H are a powerful and simple way for students to get an overview of a topic and better enhance their understanding. After learning about Slavery in America, students will create a narrative storyboard to explain the 5Ws and H. They will create scenes and a short description to answer the following questions about Slavery in America: When did slavery occur in America? Who was affected by it? Where did it occur? Why did it continue for so long? How did people resist slavery? What happened in the end to finally abolish slavery? In this way students can examine the core ideas about why the institution of slavery was so embedded in American society and how it finally came to an end.
When learning about the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Slavery in America, students may need teachers to provide a variety of resources. The use of diverse resources such as primary sources, videos, readings from textbooks, encyclopedias, and literature can be helpful for students to gain an accurate and complete picture of the time period. Students can use graphic organizers with spaces for the 5Ws and H to write down their notes while they read or watch.
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 storyboard that answers the following questions about Slavery in America: When did slavery occur in America? Who was affected by it? Where did it occur? Why did it continue for so long? How did people resist slavery? What happened in the end to finally abolish slavery?
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write a concise statement that answers the question.
- Create a picture for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items to illustrate your answer.
Requirements: Must have 6 cells to answer the When, Who, Where, Why, How, and What questions. Must include a short caption to answer the question and appropriate illustrations for each cell that illustrate the answer.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| 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
The 5 Ws and H are a powerful and simple way for students to get an overview of a topic and better enhance their understanding. After learning about Slavery in America, students will create a narrative storyboard to explain the 5Ws and H. They will create scenes and a short description to answer the following questions about Slavery in America: When did slavery occur in America? Who was affected by it? Where did it occur? Why did it continue for so long? How did people resist slavery? What happened in the end to finally abolish slavery? In this way students can examine the core ideas about why the institution of slavery was so embedded in American society and how it finally came to an end.
When learning about the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Slavery in America, students may need teachers to provide a variety of resources. The use of diverse resources such as primary sources, videos, readings from textbooks, encyclopedias, and literature can be helpful for students to gain an accurate and complete picture of the time period. Students can use graphic organizers with spaces for the 5Ws and H to write down their notes while they read or watch.
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 storyboard that answers the following questions about Slavery in America: When did slavery occur in America? Who was affected by it? Where did it occur? Why did it continue for so long? How did people resist slavery? What happened in the end to finally abolish slavery?
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write a concise statement that answers the question.
- Create a picture for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items to illustrate your answer.
Requirements: Must have 6 cells to answer the When, Who, Where, Why, How, and What questions. Must include a short caption to answer the question and appropriate illustrations for each cell that illustrate the answer.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| 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 The 5Ws of Slavery in America
How to Facilitate Sensitive Classroom Discussions About Slavery Using the 5Ws
Navigate sensitive topics confidently by establishing respectful norms, validating students' feelings, and guiding thoughtful conversation. Encourage empathy and critical thinking while ensuring all voices are heard in a safe environment.
Set clear discussion guidelines with your class
Start by co-creating discussion rules such as listening respectfully, not interrupting, and valuing different perspectives. Clear expectations help students feel safe and respected during challenging conversations.
Introduce and model empathy in responses
Demonstrate how to respond empathetically to classmates' ideas and emotions. Model phrases like "I understand why that might be upsetting" or "That’s a good question." This builds trust and openness.
Use age-appropriate language and resources
Choose resources and language that are accurate but sensitive to students’ developmental levels. Preview materials to ensure they are suitable, and explain terms or concepts as needed.
Encourage open-ended questions and thoughtful reflection
Invite students to ask questions and share their thoughts about the 5Ws. Promote reflection by prompting with "How would you feel if..." or "Why do you think...?" to deepen understanding.
Provide support and follow-up after discussions
Check in with students after the lesson to see how they’re feeling. Offer time for journaling or private conversations if needed, and remind them of resources for support.
Frequently Asked Questions about The 5Ws of Slavery in America
What are the 5Ws and H of slavery in America?
The 5Ws and H of slavery in America are: Who was affected, What happened, When it occurred, Where it took place, Why it continued, and How people resisted or it ended. This framework helps students understand key facts and causes.
How can I teach the 5Ws of slavery in America to elementary students?
To teach the 5Ws of slavery in America to elementary students, use age-appropriate resources like primary sources, videos, and storyboards. Encourage students to answer Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How using graphic organizers and creative illustrations.
What is a good activity for helping students understand slavery in America using the 5Ws?
A storyboard activity works well. Have students create six illustrated cells, each answering one of the 5Ws and H about slavery in America, with captions and visuals to reinforce understanding.
Why is it important to use multiple resources when teaching about slavery in America?
Using multiple resources like textbooks, primary sources, and videos offers a more accurate and well-rounded view of slavery, helping students understand its complexity and impact from different perspectives.
What are some tips for creating a narrative storyboard about slavery in America?
When creating a narrative storyboard, ensure each cell answers a specific 5Ws or H question, use clear captions, and choose visuals that accurately depict historical events and people. Encourage creativity and accuracy.
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