This is a motivating unit on the Underground Railroad with detailed plans for each session contained under Related Media. Students are introduced to notetaking and practice presentation skills by performing a play for other students.

INFORMATION LITERACY STANDARDS
Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently
Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively
NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS
ELA 1: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.
ELA 2: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response.
ELA 4: Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.

Books, videos, 2 worksheets for notetaking, construction paper, 4 blacklights, florescent markers, overhead projector, light (clip lamp or flashlight)
Follow the Drinking Gourd - by Jeanette Winter (book or video)
A Place called Mother Hubard Cupboard by Patsy Becvar (big book)
Life on the Underground Railroad by Sally Isaacs
The Drinking Gourd by F. N. Monjo (class set)
Barefoot by Pamela Edwards
Follow the Drinking Gourd as told by Morgan Freeman (Rabbit Ears video - newer version)

REVIEWERS' NOTES: The author has compiled a set of detailed instructions for each lesson plan spanning the unit on the Underground Railroad. You can find these materials under Related Media. A brief outline is included below.

1. Introduce information through books and videos.
2. Students take notes.
3. Students use notes to write script for play.
4. Create scenery.
5. Decorate storytelling room. Add blacklights.
6. Invite audience. LMS shines light on each student as s(he) recites lines.
7. Discussion with audience. Performers repeat lines as needed.

discussions, students' notes, script, performance

Heather Johnson, 2nd grade teacher;
Margie Bates, Volunteer