📖

The Underground Railroad

The Evil of Slavery

Day 28of 180
Week 6of 36
35Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the purpose and operation of the Underground Railroad

2

Recognize the courage of those who helped enslaved people escape

3

Learn about Harriet Tubman's significant role in liberation

📖 Scripture Connection

Galatians 3:28

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

— Galatians 3:28 (WEB)

Demonstrates God's view of human equality

📦 Materials Needed

  • Large map of United States
  • Colored paper
  • Markers
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
  • Yarn or string
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and explain the concept of the Underground Railroad as a secret network helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

💭 Review Question: What does freedom mean to you?
2Teaching (15 min)

Detailed explanation of the Underground Railroad's operations, focusing on Harriet Tubman's missions and bravery.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad
  • Used secret routes and safe houses
  • Conductors like Harriet Tubman risked their lives
  • Helped hundreds of enslaved people reach freedom
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What challenges might travelers have faced?
  • Why did people risk their lives to help others?
  • How does this show God's love for all people?
3Activity: Underground Railroad Map Project (10 min)
hands-on

Students create a visual representation of escape routes

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a large United States map
  2. Mark slave states and free states
  3. Create 'safe houses' using colored paper
  4. Use yarn to trace potential escape routes
  5. Add Harriet Tubman's known routes
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Focus on basic state locations

Challenge: Include historical dates and specific escape details

4Closing (5 min)

Review key learning points about Underground Railroad

📝 Review Questions:
  • Who was Harriet Tubman?
  • What made the Underground Railroad dangerous?
  • How did people show courage during this time?
🙏 Prayer:

Lord, help us always stand for justice and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about brave abolitionists who fought against slavery

💎 Memory Verse

Isaiah 61:1

“The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me, because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound.”

— Isaiah 61:1 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Underground Railroad Code Memorization Game

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Sensitive historical topic requiring compassionate discussion

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use age-appropriate language
  • Emphasize human dignity
  • Focus on hope and courage
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might feel overwhelmed by historical injustice

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Empathy and understanding of historical complexity

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Read children's book about Harriet Tubman
  • Watch age-appropriate documentary clip
  • Research other Underground Railroad conductors

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 29 →Back to History & Social Studies