Read-alouds are excellent tools for teachers both in the classroom, and virtually. When tied to a specific topic, such as slavery, they help the students spark discussions about difficult subjects, share their views, and learn new vocabulary.
Henry’s Freedom Box is a picture book based on a true story. Henry was an enslaved man who decided to escape in the bravest way when his wife and three children were sold. His story is one of true courage and determination. For this activity, teachers may read the book aloud to the whole class, discussing as they read, or assign the book in small groups or independently for older children. Next, students will choose three challenges that Henry faces and create a spider map illustrating and describing those challenges.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map illustrating challenges that Henry faces.
Student Instructions:
Requirements:
Use picture books like Henry’s Freedom Box to spark thoughtful class conversations about history, empathy, and resilience. This approach supports critical thinking and helps students connect personally to historical events.
Address challenging themes upfront to prepare students emotionally and intellectually. Explain context and allow space for questions, ensuring a respectful and safe learning environment.
Encourage students to relate Henry’s challenges to times they’ve faced difficulties. Facilitate reflection to deepen understanding and promote empathy within the classroom.
Offer choices for how students create their spider maps—drawing, using digital tools, or writing. Accommodate different abilities so every student can participate and express their ideas meaningfully.
Host a gallery walk or class discussion where students present their spider maps. Encourage positive feedback and highlight diverse perspectives to build community and reinforce learning.
Henry’s Freedom Box is a picture book based on the true story of Henry Brown, an enslaved man who escaped to freedom. Teachers can use it for a read-aloud, spark discussions about slavery, and assign activities like creating spider maps of the challenges Henry faced.
To create a spider map, have students identify three key challenges Henry faced in the story, write each in a heading, add a short description, and illustrate each challenge with relevant images or drawings.
Consider asking: What challenges did Henry face? How did he show courage? Why is his story important? These questions help students reflect on the story and its historical context.
Start with a read-aloud of Henry’s Freedom Box, pause for discussion, encourage students to share thoughts, and use activities like spider maps to help them understand the challenges Henry faced, making the topic accessible and age-appropriate.
Yes, the activity is flexible and can be done individually or in groups, allowing students to collaborate or work independently based on classroom needs.