Fourth Graders Learn About Harriet Tubman

Fourth Grade has started our study of enslavement and abolition. The class is learning about the horrific institution of slavery and also the incredible bravery, faith, and power of those enslaved who resisted and fought for freedom. Last week we were lucky to be visited by a talented Harriet Tubman re-enactor, who gave a presentation in the Meeting House about Harriet Tubman's life and work. Through her re-enactment she embodied Harriet from childhood (when she was born Araminta Ross) through adulthood. The class learned about Harriet's childhood and some of her early experiences such as how Harriet was taught by her father to read the stars, which later helped her lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad by following the North Star. We learned about Harriet's immense courage and intelligence as she navigated 19 trips to save groups of slaves from the South. At the end of the presentation, fourth grade had the opportunity to have a Q & A to answer their questions. They asked many interesting questions, such as: Did Harriet Tubman ever have children? (No.) Did she ever lose anyone on her journeys? (No.) And how long did she live? (Around 90 years.)

Students learning Harriet's whistle call that she used to signal to the groups of slaves she led to freedom.