My students need 40 copies of "Picture of Freedom" to open their minds to the past. History comes to life in this intriquing book about the life of a young slave girl fighting for freedom.
Do you remember the first time you discovered the life slaves had to live? Their daily battle for survival,and the less than human treatment they received!This book open the minds and heart of students and sets about a new thinking of people that may be different from us.
My students come from an inner city school, from a small town.
Most are from low economic homes where some struggle for survival of their own kind. Our school is located in WV, a state that has a lot of poverty and not a lot of resources to allow open-mindedness. While our school does have many blacks, it is still mostly white. My kids, in 4th grade, don't see color, yet, but some comments have been introduced of racial learning from home. I want to open their minds, as well as their hearts, with this book. I have used it so many years the pages have begun to fall out, and several books are beyond repair. Many of my students, years later, come back to see me and talk about this book with me, so I know it makes an impact.
My Project
My students will have their minds open to the way blacks were treated on plantations, while learning the potential danger of being uneducated. I always tell that Knowledge is Power", with this book that phrase comes to life. blacks were not allowed to learn to read,swim, or travel, to keep them ignorant. An educated slave meant rebellion and runaway slaves. This book also opens the education highway to discuss the underground railroad and explain the purpose and hidden hideouts. The amount of books I am requesting would allow all 4th graders at my school to learn history together in a whole class group, which opens the door for great discussions.
Please open your heart and help us to purchase a terrific set of books that have endless possibilities.
we close the lesson with the movie, from the book, and design a Freedom Quilt. By the end of the book my students know about the underground railroad, the Civil War, Freedom Quilts (and their meaning), Harriett Tubman, and about the life and struggles of the slaves brought over from Africa. They learn how a young girl finally gets a picture of FREEDOM! Thank you for your donation!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Sweeney and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.