19 Harriet Tubman Lessons, Activities and Projects for Kids

19 Harriet Tubman Lessons, Activities and Projects for Kids

Harriet Tubman is a renowned figure in American history, known for her bravery and courage in helping slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Teaching kids about Harriet Tubman’s life and accomplishments can be a powerful way to inspire them to stand up for what is right and make a positive impact in the world. Here are 19 lessons, activities, and projects for kids to learn about Harriet Tubman:

1. Read a biography of Harriet Tubman: Start by introducing kids to Harriet Tubman’s life story with a children’s biography that highlights her journey from slavery to becoming a key figure in the abolitionist movement.

2. Watch a video: Show kids a short educational video about Harriet Tubman to help visualize her story and understand the challenges she faced.

3. Create a timeline: Have kids create a timeline of Harriet Tubman’s life, including key events such as her escape from slavery, her work on the Underground Railroad, and her efforts in the Civil War as a nurse and spy.

4. Map the Underground Railroad: Help kids understand the geography of the Underground Railroad by mapping out the routes that escaped slaves took to freedom.

5. Role-play as Harriet Tubman: Have kids take on the role of Harriet Tubman in a role-playing activity, where they can act out key moments from her life.

6. Write a diary entry: Encourage kids to imagine themselves as a runaway slave on the Underground Railroad and write a diary entry detailing their escape journey and the help they received from Harriet Tubman.

7. Design a wanted poster: Have kids create a wanted poster for Harriet Tubman, highlighting her role in helping slaves escape and offering a reward for her capture.

8. Create a quilt square: Harriet Tubman used quilts as a way to signal safe houses on the Underground Railroad. Have kids design their own quilt square with symbols and messages that represent freedom and resistance.

9. Visit a museum: Take a field trip to a museum or historical site that features exhibits on Harriet Tubman, such as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Maryland.

10. Discuss quotes: Have kids analyze and discuss quotes from Harriet Tubman, such as “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”

11. Write a poem: Challenge kids to write a poem inspired by Harriet Tubman’s courage and determination, using imagery and symbolism to convey her impact.

12. Host a read-aloud: Organize a read-aloud session featuring children’s books about Harriet Tubman, followed by a discussion on the themes of freedom and justice.

13. Create a comic strip: Have kids create a comic strip that illustrates key moments from Harriet Tubman’s life, using speech bubbles and captions to tell the story visually.

14. Interview a historian: Invite a historian or expert on Harriet Tubman to speak to the kids about her life and legacy, and answer any questions they may have.

15. Watch a movie: Screen a movie or documentary about Harriet Tubman, such as “Harriet” or “A Woman Called Moses,” and discuss the portrayal of her character and impact.

16. Research and report: Assign kids a research project on a specific aspect of Harriet Tubman’s life, such as her role in the Civil War or her work as a suffragist, and have them present their findings to the class.

17. Create a timeline mural: Collaborate on a classroom mural that depicts key events in Harriet Tubman’s life, using illustrations and captions to educate others about her legacy.

18. Write a letter: Have kids write a letter to Harriet Tubman, expressing their gratitude for her bravery and leadership in fighting for freedom and equality.

19. Plan a service project: Encourage kids to honor Harriet Tubman’s spirit of helping others by organizing a service project, such as volunteering at a local shelter or collecting donations for a charity that supports marginalized communities.

By engaging kids in these lessons, activities, and projects, educators and parents can instill important values of courage, resilience, and empathy inspired by Harriet Tubman’s life story. Through learning about her legacy, kids can be inspired to make a difference in their own communities and stand up for justice and equality.