The Underground Railroad Sculpture
{photo by Battle Creek CVB via Flickr / CC BY 2.0}
This week we are learning about the Underground Railroad – that secret network of people, safe houses, and routes that helped African American slaves escape to freedom in the north. There is so much rich history here, filled with courage, sacrifice, inspiring stories of success as well as heartbreak and sorrow. Below we’ve gathered a few links to supplement this topic if you want to enrich your home day studies. As always, we encourage parents to preview the material, and watch/participate with your kids when possible:
VIDEOS:
“Underground” – An award-winning short film told through song, of the story of a slave who plans to escape after learning that his master is going to sell his young daughter:
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad – A short overview of the powerful work of Harriet Tubman, from the History channel:
Harriet Tubman – Mini Bio – A 7-minute video about the life of Harriet Tubman, from the Biography Channel:
Sojourner Truth Speech of 1851, “Ain't I A Woman?” – A performance at Kansas State University:
Brain Pop – Underground Railroad:
Follow the Drinking Gourd – A reading of the story, with pictures. Maybe after you read the book with your kids, they can watch this for a “re-read:”
Follow the Drinking Gourd – The song, with lyrics (see this site, listed below, for clues about the meanings of the words):
Underground Railroad: The William Still Story – A PBS documentary about the humble clerk who risked his life to help runaway slaves. Rated TV-PG.
WEBSITES:
The Underground Railroad: Escape from Slavery – Online activities from Scholastic with several areas to explore. You can read or listen.
The Journey of a Slave – Take the journey of a slave escaping to freedom.
Underground Railroad: Routes to Freedom Map
Aboard the Underground Railroad: List of Sites
Pathways to Freedom: Maryland and the Underground Railroad – This site has a ton of great information and some interactive activities, such as Following the Footsteps of a Maryland Slave and Make Your Own Secret Quilt Message.
Pathways to Freedom: Follow the Drinking Gourd – This is part of the above website. Here you can listen to the song and read clues about the meaning of the words.
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument – A National Historic Park in Maryland {photo source}
Harriet Tubman Biography and “Rage to Riches” game
Sojourner Truth Biography and Concentration Game
Underground Railroad: The William Still Story – A website from PBS and a trailer to a documentary about him.
Flight to Freedom game – This requires registering (free) to play, and it is aimed at older students (middle school and high school). It is supposed to be difficult!
iPad app – The Underground Railroad: Journey to Freedom – by National Geographic. Here’s the Android version. There is a small fee for this game, so you have to decide if it’s worth it.
