Activity Overview
Students will create a storyboard that represents the experiences of an individual who lived during the Slave Trade. This activity will help students to visualize texts related to the Slave Trade and be able to recreate this infamous period in American History.
Teachers may choose the texts, but in the example storyboard, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave has been used. Students will select significant passages from the text, create a visualization, and include the text below each representation.
Extended Activity
To extend this activity, students will read The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. Students will select powerful passages from Equiano’s work and represent his incredible life through a storyboard. For students that completed both activities, they can also create a T-Chart that compares and contrasts the experiences of Douglass and Equiano.
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 that illustrates the experiences of individuals during the Slave Trade.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description, type in a quote or a paraphrase from the provided text.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Students will create a storyboard that represents the experiences of an individual who lived during the Slave Trade. This activity will help students to visualize texts related to the Slave Trade and be able to recreate this infamous period in American History.
Teachers may choose the texts, but in the example storyboard, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave has been used. Students will select significant passages from the text, create a visualization, and include the text below each representation.
Extended Activity
To extend this activity, students will read The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. Students will select powerful passages from Equiano’s work and represent his incredible life through a storyboard. For students that completed both activities, they can also create a T-Chart that compares and contrasts the experiences of Douglass and Equiano.
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 that illustrates the experiences of individuals during the Slave Trade.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description, type in a quote or a paraphrase from the provided text.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Perspectives of the Slave Trade: Frederick Douglass
Use Storyboards to Teach Empathy and Historical Perspective
Storyboards help students visualize the lives of historical figures, encouraging empathy by stepping into their shoes. This approach lets students connect emotionally with the past and understand complex perspectives in history.
Select a Passage That Highlights Personal Experience
Choose a quote or section where the individual’s feelings or challenges are clear. Personal stories make history relatable and deepen students’ understanding of the era.
Guide Students to Plan Their Storyboard Scenes
Encourage students to break the passage into key moments. Planning helps students focus on the most important events and keeps their storyboards organized and meaningful.
Model How to Illustrate Emotions and Setting
Demonstrate using facial expressions, body language, and background details to show emotion and historical context. This brings the story to life and helps students better interpret the text.
Facilitate a Gallery Walk for Peer Feedback
Have students display their storyboards and give constructive feedback to each other. Peer review builds confidence, encourages revision, and exposes students to multiple perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perspectives of the Slave Trade: Frederick Douglass
What is a storyboard activity for teaching about Frederick Douglass and the Slave Trade?
A storyboard activity engages students in visualizing and illustrating key experiences of Frederick Douglass and others during the Slave Trade. Students select powerful passages from texts, create visual representations, and add text captions to deepen their understanding of this historical period.
How can students compare Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano's experiences?
Students can create a T-Chart to compare and contrast the lives of Frederick Douglass and Olaudah Equiano. This helps highlight similarities and differences in their narratives, perspectives, and experiences during the Slave Trade era.
What are some engaging ways to help students visualize texts about the Atlantic Slave Trade?
Teachers can use storyboards, creative illustrations, and passage selections to help students visualize and connect with texts about the Atlantic Slave Trade, making complex history more relatable and memorable.
Why is it important for students to use storyboards when learning about slavery?
Storyboards help students actively engage with historical texts, encourage critical thinking, and enable them to empathize with individuals' experiences during slavery. Visualization also aids comprehension and retention.
What are the steps to create a storyboard based on Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass?
Students should: 1) Choose a meaningful quote or paraphrase from the text, 2) Illustrate the scene using relevant images and characters, 3) Add the text below the illustration, and 4) Save the completed storyboard for review or sharing.
More Storyboard That Activities
Atlantic Slave Trade
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