Legacy of Freedom

Grade Level

5th Grade

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1.C: Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4: Report on a topic or text, telling a story or recounting an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.4.A: Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.7: Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.

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Learning Objective

I can discuss the legacy of the Underground Railroad.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain how the Underground Railroad impacted American history.
• I can describe how its legacy influences modern society.
• I can work respectfully in groups to share and listen to ideas.
• I can contribute to a class mural that represents freedom.

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Materials Needed

• Large butcher paper or poster board
• Colored markers, crayons, paint, glue, scissors
• Printed simplified texts and images about the Underground Railroad’s legacy (dyslexia-friendly fonts, visuals)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Notebooks or journals for reflection
• Projector or screen for visual aids
• Research materials for extension activity (books, printed articles, or approved websites on modern freedom movements)

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Lesson Outline

1. Opening & Review (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief visual slideshow summarizing the 5 previous lessons on the Underground Railroad. Use clear images and simple captions to support dyslexic learners.
• Ask: “What do you remember about the Underground Railroad? What did it help people do?” Encourage several brief student responses.
• Write key student ideas on the board while reinforcing vocabulary with visual icons next to words (e.g., freedom, escape, secret routes).

Teacher script example:
"Today, we will explore the legacy — or lasting effects — of the Underground Railroad. We’ll discover how it shapes freedom today."

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2. Small Group Discussion (15 minutes)

• Divide students into 5 groups of 5 for inclusive small-group discussions. Provide each group with a dyslexia-friendly short reading about different aspects of the Underground Railroad’s impact (e.g., inspiring civil rights, ideas of freedom, courage, community support).
• Each group reads their passage aloud together and then discusses guided questions:
  • What are some ways the Underground Railroad changed America?
  • Can you think of any ways people today still want freedom like those long ago?
• Circulate to support groups, offer simplified explanations, and prompt deeper thinking.

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3. Whole Class Sharing (10 minutes)

• Groups share highlights with the whole class, using 1-2 key sentences each.
• Create a large word web on the board from their ideas, under the central word “Legacy.”

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4. Creative Class Mural Activity (20 minutes)

• Explain: “We will work together to make a class mural that shows what freedom looks like and how the Underground Railroad inspires us today.”
• Each student contributes an image, word, or symbol on the mural that represents an idea related to freedom, courage, or helping others escape hardship.
• Encourage using bright colors, symbols (e.g., lanterns, pathways, hearts), and simple empowering words.
• Play soft inspirational instrumental music to create a reflective atmosphere.

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5. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Ask students to write a short journal entry:
  “How does the Underground Railroad’s legacy make the world better today?”
• Share 2-3 reflections aloud if time allows.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Use small group discussions to provide peer support and reduce anxiety for diverse learners.
• Provide dyslexia-friendly texts with simple sentences, larger font, and supportive visuals.
• Allow verbal sharing to supplement writing tasks.
• Use sentence starters during discussions (e.g., “I think the Underground Railroad helped by...”).

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Extension Activity (For advanced learners or homework)

• Research a modern movement or individual who fights for freedom or human rights today (e.g., civil rights activists, voting rights, refugee aid).
• Prepare a short presentation or poster to share with the class next week.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Tips

• Use a clear, sans-serif font (like Arial or Open Dyslexic) for all printed materials.
• Break texts into small chunks with bullet points and illustrations.
• Use color-coded cues to support vocabulary understanding.
• Encourage multi-sensory learning through visual arts (mural) and oral discussion.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during group discussions and whole-class sharing.
• Check for understanding in journal reflections with focus on the student’s ability to articulate the legacy of the Underground Railroad.
• Evaluate participation and contributions to the class mural as evidence of connection to themes.

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This lesson immerses students emotionally and cognitively in understanding how the courage and hope from history still ripple through society today—preparing them to appreciate freedom as a living legacy.