1. Question Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is an

autobiographical narrative written in 1845. It chronicles Frederick Douglass’ journey from the time he became a slave until he escaped to freedom in the North.

An important theme that Douglass explores in his writing is “What does it take for the human spirit to be free?” In order to prepare you to read his narrative and understand this theme, you will be learning about slavery, abolitionism, women’s rights, and the Underground Railroad.

In order to give you an overview of these topics, click on the picture to the right to view an introduction of slavery in America.

1 2 3 654 Next

How does an understanding of the historical and cultural background of A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass enhance your reading of the novel?

Slavery and Abolitionism

Image Source: clipart.com by subscription

If you have difficulty viewing the video, you may need to log into BrainPop one time first from the BCPS database page.

2. Information SourcesYou will use these resources to complete the activity on Slide 3:

1 2 3 654 Next

Slavery:• The Triangular Trade and the Middle Passage (video)• Slave Memories• Virtual Tour of Slave Quarters• Interview of a Former Slave (video)• Slave and Free Soil Interactive Map• Life of a Household Maidservant• Living Conditions of a Slave• Life as a Free Slave• “Black Codes” Affecting Free Slaves

Abolitionism:• Abolition Movement• William Lloyd Garrison• William Lloyd Garrison and the Liberator• Abolitionist Movement• Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment

Womens’ Rights:• The Women’s Movement and Abolitionism (video)• Susan B. Anthony• Lucy Stone• Elizabeth Cady Stanton• Lucretia Mott• Women’s Suffrage (BrainPop video)

*NOTE: Go to the BCPS Database page and click on BrainPop, then return to this slide and click on the video link above.

• Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions

Underground Railroad:• Overview (BrainPop video)

*NOTE: Go to the BCPS Database page and click on BrainPop, then return to this slide and click on the video link above.

• Overview (article)• Harriet Tubman• Map of escape routes• Aboard the Underground Railroad• Using Quilts as Codes (video)

3. Student Activity

Use this graphic organizer to take notes about slavery, abolitionism, women’s rights, and the Underground Railroad using the information sources on Slide 2.

You will be using your notes to complete the Assessment Activity on Slide 4.

1 2 3 654 Next

Image Source: www.pics4learning.com

4. Assessment Activity

Now you will compose a journal entry using the notes on your graphic organizer.

Write a journal entry from the point of view of a citizen deciding whether to aid slaves in their escape OR write from the point of view of a slave contemplating escape.

Be sure to use information from your graphic organizer to make your journal entry sound accurate and authentic. Carefully read the Scoring Rubric so that you know how you will be assessed.

1 2 3 654 Next

Image Source: www.pics4learning.com

5. Enrichment Activities

Further explore the topics you have been studying by completing these interactive simulations.

1 2 3 654 Next

Image Source: www.mission-us.orgImage Source: www.scholastic.com

6. Teacher Support Materials

Grade Level and Content Area: GT 8 Language Arts

Common Core State Standards Reading: CCRA.R.1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.Writing: CCRA.W.7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. ELA-Literacy.W.8.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences.Standards for the 21st Century Learner 1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g. textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.2.1.3 Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations.

ISTE NETS Standards for Students3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather,

evaluate, and use information.b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. c. Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.

Time Frame: 1-2 days

Differentiation strategies for this lesson: More challenging readings are indicated on Slide 2 with a gold

star. Direct students to use learning tools included in our BCPS-

licensed databases, such as: audio read-aloud, labeled reading levels/Lexiles, and embedded dictionaries.

Learning Styles addressed in this lesson:Visual, Auditory, Reflective, Global, Analytical

Notes to the teacher: Collaborate with your school library media specialist to

implement this lesson. If students complete the Flight to Freedom simulation on

Slide 5, remind them to use their external password when registering.

Inform students of the following: Articles may cover more than one topic, and students may

need to write notes in more than one square of their organizer while completing a reading

Links provided about slavery represent differing points of view as each slave lived under different conditions and had different life experiences that shaped their opinions

Some of the primary documents include vocabulary that would not be considered politically correct today, but that is used in a historical context and reflects vocabulary used during the time period being studied. Last updated: July 2014

Created by Amy L. Samay, Library Media Specialist InternBCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2013, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. The models may be used for educational, non-profit school use only.

All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Lesson module.

1 2 3 654