​rethink.

OVERVIEW:

In this unit, we want to challenge the student’s prior knowledge about what they think they know in terms of slavery and the Underground Railroad. We want them to become aware that the facts they’ve learned about this subject matter may not always be accurate. We will start out by leading a discussion to find out what they’ve been taught in previous years and what they’re existing prior knowledge consists of. We will challenge their thinking by presenting factual information and images that contradict what they’ve been taught. Next, we will discuss a common myth that is associated with the Underground Railroad and research information that contradicts this misconception. The students will then be shown a piece of artwork that exemplifies the history of slavery and how it has affected our lives. Lastly, the class will work together to create an American flag that will display what they’ve learned and some of the stereotypes and myths they’ve learned about.

 

RATIONALE:

We believe it is very important to teach our students the differences between the myths and the facts about this monumental time in history.  Students tend to believe everything they see and hear, but we are going to provide our students with evidence that will make them trust and believe the truth.  We want students to first portray their thoughts, without providing them with any background knowledge, in order to introduce the theme of this entire unit plan.  We will show students the facts, and discuss what students find interesting or unusual that they didn’t know before.  One aspect of the Underground Railroad is the idea behind the quilt making, and how the slaves communicated through that [will elaborate more on this lesson].  The third lesson is included to showcase one of the relevant artists and provide a look into relevant visual culture.  It is important for students to look at art as a way to synthesize the real facts in a different way.  We think it is important to include strategies that students will use in the future, such as visual thinking strategies.  The last lesson is incorporated in the unit plan as the wrap up and main idea, and we think it is crucial because of the significance of the symbolic images included in the activity.  Students are able to challenge and show how their ideas and thoughts have revolutionized in a way that portrays the facts of the Underground Railroad and slavery.