Activity Overview
In this activity, students will integrate what they have read in Flight to Freedom and the article, "Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction - The Underground Railroad". These texts discuss the Underground Railroad, the secrecy, and the system that helped slaves escape to the North.
Have students record and illustrate information from each article in a T-Chart. Side-by-side cells should relate to one another.
Flight to Freedom: The Story of the Underground Railroad
- Men and women followed codes: agents were reminded their work was illegal, nothing was ever put in writing, and all evidence was destroyed.
- The physical property was a line of farms running zigzag from the slaves states to Canada.
- If any traveler was unable to make it to the next station, the agent would hide them in caves.
"Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction - The Underground Railroad"
- People thought slavery was immoral and they took risks to help slaves.
- Each house told the fugitive where the next station would be.
- Slaves traveled by night; the North Star was their guide to freedom.
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 T Chart that integrates information from both Flight to Freedom and "Slavery, the Civil War, & Reconstruction" and presents them side by side.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, identify at least three facts about slavery and the Underground Railroad from Flight to Freedom.
- In the other column, identify at least facts about slavery and the Underground Railroad from "Slavery, the Civil War, & Reconstruction" that are related to the facts in the first column.
- Create illustrations for each fact using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will integrate what they have read in Flight to Freedom and the article, "Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction - The Underground Railroad". These texts discuss the Underground Railroad, the secrecy, and the system that helped slaves escape to the North.
Have students record and illustrate information from each article in a T-Chart. Side-by-side cells should relate to one another.
Flight to Freedom: The Story of the Underground Railroad
- Men and women followed codes: agents were reminded their work was illegal, nothing was ever put in writing, and all evidence was destroyed.
- The physical property was a line of farms running zigzag from the slaves states to Canada.
- If any traveler was unable to make it to the next station, the agent would hide them in caves.
"Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction - The Underground Railroad"
- People thought slavery was immoral and they took risks to help slaves.
- Each house told the fugitive where the next station would be.
- Slaves traveled by night; the North Star was their guide to freedom.
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 T Chart that integrates information from both Flight to Freedom and "Slavery, the Civil War, & Reconstruction" and presents them side by side.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, identify at least three facts about slavery and the Underground Railroad from Flight to Freedom.
- In the other column, identify at least facts about slavery and the Underground Railroad from "Slavery, the Civil War, & Reconstruction" that are related to the facts in the first column.
- Create illustrations for each fact using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Flight to Freedom - Integrate Informational Texts
Plan a classroom simulation of the Underground Railroad
Engage students by organizing a hands-on simulation that helps them experience the challenges and decisions faced by those involved in the Underground Railroad. This activity builds empathy and deepens understanding of historical events.
Assign student roles for agents, travelers, and stationmasters
Assign specific roles to students (such as agents, travelers, or stationmasters) so each child actively participates and learns the responsibilities of different people in the network. This makes history personal and memorable.
Set up ‘stations’ around the classroom
Create safe stations using desks or posters labeled as homes or hiding spots. These represent stops along the Underground Railroad and give students a sense of movement and secrecy as they travel between stations.
Use coded messages and signals
Incorporate secret codes (like hand signals or notes) for students to communicate, simulating the real methods used to avoid detection. This step reinforces the importance of secrecy and cooperation.
Debrief and reflect on the experience
Gather students after the simulation to discuss their feelings, what challenges they faced, and what they learned about courage, risk, and teamwork. This reflection ties the simulation back to the historical content and encourages empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flight to Freedom - Integrate Informational Texts
How can I use a T-Chart to compare information about the Underground Railroad in my classroom?
Using a T-Chart helps students visually organize and compare facts from two sources. Have students create two columns: one for key details from Flight to Freedom and another for related facts from "Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction." Encourage them to illustrate each fact to deepen understanding.
What are some key facts about the Underground Railroad from 'Flight to Freedom'?
Key facts include: Agents used secret codes and destroyed records, routes ran in zigzags to Canada, and travelers were sometimes hidden in caves. These details show the secrecy and dangers involved in the Underground Railroad.
How does 'Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction' describe the Underground Railroad differently than 'Flight to Freedom'?
'Slavery, the Civil War & Reconstruction' emphasizes the moral reasons for helping slaves, the use of the North Star for guidance, and the way each house gave directions to the next. 'Flight to Freedom' focuses more on secret codes and physical hideouts, showing different perspectives on the same topic.
What illustrations can students create to show facts about the Underground Railroad?
Students can draw scenes like secret meetings between agents, travelers hiding in caves, houses guiding fugitives, or slaves navigating by the North Star. Visuals help reinforce the challenges and bravery involved.
What is the best way to help students integrate information from multiple texts about the Underground Railroad?
The best way is to use graphic organizers like T-Charts that encourage students to compare facts side by side, find connections, and create illustrations. This strategy builds critical thinking and helps students synthesize information from different perspectives.
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Underground Railroad
- Slaves • joxin • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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