​rethink.

Lesson overview

From background knowledge of the first lesson, students will have an understanding of what a myth is and how they are involved in the Underground Railroad. We want to show our students the specific myths that are involved in this topic.  The freedom quilt was a popular myth that many believed to be true, and even books were made about it.  In this lesson, we will show how these myths are portrayed in children’s literature and have a discussion of what they think of these myths and why they came about.

 

 

Materials:

• Chart paper

• Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt

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Instruction: )

1. Teacher will read Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt to the class.

2. After reading, the teacher will ask students what their initial thoughts on the book were, while elaborating on the different types of myths that might be found in this book.

3. On chart paper, the teacher will write down all of the responses that the students provide.  This will encourage an inviting environment that fosters community building and engagement.

4. Teacher will have a discussion about what the real myths that are portrayed in the book:

• Quilt making

• Slaves moved to the north

• Most slaves knew the term “Underground Railroad”

5. The teacher will relate the information the students have learned to what was previously taught and reiterate the involvement of stereotypes and myths that are represented in this topic.  They will also discuss the general misconceptions that students may have when first learning something and to focus on keeping an open mind.

 

Standards:

R4.A.1.3.1: Make inferences and/or draw conclusions based on information from text.

R.4.1.4.1: Identify and/or explain stated or implied main ideas and relevant supporting details from text.