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Introduction to Harriet Tubman – Meet Harriet Tubman – A brave woman who changed history – An American hero – She played a key role in fighting slavery – Freedom fighter – Helped slaves escape to freedom – Tubman’s bravery – Her courage led many to safety | Today’s lesson introduces Harriet Tubman, a courageous woman who made a significant impact on American history. Explain to the students that Harriet Tubman was born into slavery but escaped and then risked her life to help others gain their freedom as well. She was a ‘conductor’ on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used to help enslaved African Americans escape to free states. Highlight her bravery and the importance of her actions in the context of American history. Encourage the students to think about what freedom means to them and how one person can make a difference in the lives of many.

Early Life of Harriet Tubman – Born into slavery – Harriet was not free when she was born because of slavery. – Grew up in Maryland – She lived on a big farm where slaves worked called a plantation. – Showed strength early on – Harriet was known for her strength even when she was very young. – Determined even as a child – She had a strong will and wanted to make things better. | This slide introduces students to the early life of Harriet Tubman, an important figure in American history. Emphasize that Harriet was born into difficult circumstances, but her spirit and resolve were evident even during her childhood. Explain what slavery is and what life on a plantation might have been like. Discuss the concept of determination and how Harriet’s strength of character was apparent from a young age. This will set the stage for understanding her later achievements and why she is remembered as a hero. Use this opportunity to encourage students to think about how they can show determination in their own lives.

The Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman – The Railroad was not a real train – A secret network for escape – Safe houses and helpers led slaves to freedom – Harriet Tubman: A brave conductor – Harriet helped many slaves escape – Guiding to freedom – She was called ‘Moses’ for leading them to safety | The Underground Railroad slide aims to teach students about the metaphorical term used to describe the secret routes and safe houses used by slaves in the 19th century to escape to free states and Canada. It’s crucial to clarify that it wasn’t a physical railroad but a network of people committed to helping slaves. Harriet Tubman’s role as a ‘conductor’ was to guide many slaves to freedom, earning her the nickname ‘Moses’. Discuss her bravery and the risks she took. Encourage students to think about the importance of working together to help others and the value of freedom.

Harriet’s Courageous Journeys – Harriet Tubman’s brave acts – Risked her life to help others escape slavery – Led 300+ slaves to freedom – She guided many to safety through the Underground Railroad – Made 19 trips to the South – Each trip was dangerous, but she never lost a passenger – Used tricks to avoid capture – Disguises and secret codes helped her succeed | Harriet Tubman is an iconic figure in American history, known for her bravery and dedication to the abolitionist cause. She herself escaped slavery and then risked her life multiple times to help others gain their freedom. Over the course of 19 trips, she led over 300 slaves to safety via the Underground Railroad, using a network of safe houses. Her intelligence and resourcefulness allowed her to outsmart those who pursued her, employing various tricks such as disguises and secret codes. Discuss with students the dangers she faced and the strength it took to accomplish these feats. Highlight her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and how her actions have left a lasting impact on our history.

The Legacy of Harriet Tubman – Harriet Tubman: A Hero Remembered – Escaped slavery and led others to freedom. – Lifelong Fight for Freedom – Worked tirelessly to free enslaved people. – Champion of Equality – Stood up for the rights of African Americans and women. – Inspiring Bravery Today – Her courage motivates us to fight for justice. | Harriet Tubman’s legacy is a testament to her extraordinary life as an abolitionist and a humanitarian. She is celebrated for her role in leading many enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Her commitment to the cause of freedom and equality never wavered throughout her life. Tubman’s bravery and dedication continue to inspire people around the world to stand up against injustice and fight for what is right. In class, discuss how her actions made a difference and how students can draw inspiration from her courage to make positive changes in their own communities.

Class Activity: Be Like Harriet – Emulate Harriet Tubman’s bravery – Solve puzzles in small groups – Find the path to freedom – Present your teamwork journey – Share what you learned about working together and being courageous | This activity is designed to give students a hands-on experience that reflects Harriet Tubman’s courage and intelligence. By working in small groups to solve puzzles, students will engage in a simulation of Tubman’s journey to freedom, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges she faced. The activity also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and courage, as students will need to work together to ‘escape’ to freedom. After completing the puzzles, each group will present their experience, discussing the strategies they used and the lessons they learned about cooperation and bravery. For the teacher: Prepare puzzles that are age-appropriate and ensure that the path to freedom is not too easy or too difficult. Have at least 4-5 different puzzles ready, in case groups finish at different times. Encourage every student to participate and reflect on the historical significance of Tubman’s actions.