Stories of Escape

Grade: 5th Grade

Subject: Social Studies
Unit: Journey to Freedom: The Underground Railroad
Lesson: 5 of 6
Duration: 60 Minutes
Class Size: 25 students

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Lesson Overview

Students will read and discuss personal narratives of individuals who escaped using the Underground Railroad. They will practice identifying key story elements and summarize these stories by creating a story map. This lesson will foster comprehension of historical narratives and develop summarization skills aligned with Common Core standards.

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Learning Objectives

I can summarize a personal escape story from the Underground Railroad, identifying and sequencing key events.

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Success Criteria

• I can identify the main characters and setting of the story.
• I can describe the problem and key events that happened during the escape.
• I can create a story map to organize important details of the narrative.

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.3
Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.3
Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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Materials Needed

• Printed copies (or tablets with audio versions) of 2-3 personal narratives of Underground Railroad escapees (adjusted for 5th-grade reading level)
• Story map graphic organizers (print and digital versions)
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers and pencils
• Extension prompt handout for advanced writers

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction & Set Purpose (10 minutes)

• Hook: Briefly share a compelling excerpt from an escape narrative. Use dramatic reading and/or audio to engage students, activating their interest.
• Goal Discussion: Write the “I can” objective on the board:
  “I can summarize a personal escape story from the Underground Railroad.”
• Discuss Success Criteria: Explain how identifying key events helps understand and retell stories accurately.

2. Vocabulary & Story Elements Review (7 minutes)

• Discuss key terms: narrative, escape, journey, problem, solution, and sequence.
• Quickly review story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, solution) using a familiar story example.

3. Guided Reading & Listening (15 minutes)

• Distribute the personal narratives (with printed and audio options for dyslexia support).
• Read aloud together or allow students to listen individually or in pairs using headphones.
• Ask students to underline or highlight important events as they go.

4. Story Map Creation (15 minutes)

• Model creating a story map on chart paper, referencing events from the narrative excerpt.
• Students use graphic organizers to map out their chosen story’s key elements:
  • Who is the main character?
  • Where and when does the story take place?
  • What problem does the character face?
  • What are the key events in the escape?
  • How does the story end?
• Circulate to support and differentiate (some students may receive simplified organizers or additional guided prompts).

5. Sharing and Discussion (8 minutes)

• Students share their story maps in small groups (3-4 students) to reinforce understanding and communication skills.
• Encourage discussion and questions among peers, guided by prompts such as:
  “What event was most important to your story?”
  “How did the character show courage?”

6. Wrap-up and Extension (5 minutes)

• Recap success criteria and ask students to self-assess their work:
  “Did you identify key events and summarize clearly?”
• Extension Activity: Introduce writing prompt handout: “Write your own fictional escape story using what you learned about the Underground Railroad.”
• Invite interested students to begin brainstorming or start their stories for homework or future lessons.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide graphic organizers with visual cues and guiding questions for students who need scaffolding.
• Allow oral responses or use drawing/story mapping for students who struggle with writing.
• Offer audio versions of narratives to support students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
• Simplify text for learners who need modified reading level versions while using the same story elements focus.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation as students create story maps and participate in discussions.
• Check story maps for accurate identification of story elements and event sequence.
• Use exit tickets: a quick written or oral summary of the narrative focusing on key events.

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Teacher Reflection Tips

• Note which parts of the story map students found most challenging—sequence, identifying problems, or character motivation.
• Collect examples of student summaries to assess comprehension depth.
• Identify engagement levels with the narratives and adjust future lesson materials accordingly.

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This detailed, engaging, and differentiated approach aligns with 5th-grade Common Core standards while building critical literacy and social studies skills through historical personal narratives that foster empathy and historical understanding.