Higher Education Black History Month Workbooks

Stories of Maroons and the Underground Railroad: Reading Comprehension Worksheet

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Journey back in time and witness the remarkable fight for freedom! This comprehensive reading comprehension and activity pack delves into the captivating stories of Maroons and the Underground Railroad, two distinct yet inextricably linked movements that defied the injustice of slavery in America.

Unleash your inner history detective:

  • Maroons: Building Freedom in the Wilderness: Discover how enslaved individuals carved out independent communities amidst treacherous landscapes, from Suriname's jungles to Louisiana's swamps. Explore their ingenious survival tactics, fierce resistance against slavers, and vibrant cultural preservation practices.
  • Underground Railroad: A Network of Hope in the Shadows: Step into the clandestine world of the Underground Railroad, a web of safe houses, courageous conductors, and daring escapes. Uncover the resourceful methods used to navigate treacherous journeys, the unwavering spirit of solidarity, and the profound impact on the fight for equality.
  • Primary Source Analysis: Dig deeper with historical quotes from a British report on Maroon resilience and Harriet Tubman's reflections on faith and determination. Analyze their perspectives and connect them to the broader context of slavery and resistance.
  • Engaging Activities: Put your learning into action! Create a map of Maroon settlements, design a code used by the Underground Railroad, or write a journal entry from the perspective of an escaped slave.
  • Answer Key: Save valuable time with a clear and concise answer key for easy assessment.

Ideal for:
Middle and high school students in social studies, history, or language arts classes.

  • Teachers seeking resources for Black History Month, units on slavery and abolition, or projects on resilience and social justice.
  • Anyone wanting to understand the enduring legacies of resistance and the power of collective action in the face of oppression.

Embark on a captivating journey through history with this interactive resource! Your students will delve into the courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering determination of Maroons and Underground Railroad participants, leaving them inspired by their fight for freedom and its enduring impact on our world.

Review: The content is excellent. It offers a well-balanced and engaging overview of both Maroons and the Underground Railroad, highlighting their historical context, unique methods of resistance, cultural preservation efforts, and enduring legacies. The inclusion of primary sources, diverse examples, and creative activities adds depth, interactivity, and critical thinking opportunities to the learning experience.

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will understand the historical context of slavery and the emergence of Maroons and the Underground Railroad.
  • Students will analyze the different methods of resistance employed by Maroons and the Underground Railroad, considering their circumstances and influences.
  • Students will appreciate the cultural preservation efforts and community development within Maroon settlements and the Underground Railroad network.
  • Students will connect the legacies of Maroons and the Underground Railroad to their contributions to the fight for freedom and social justice.
  • Students will develop critical thinking skills through primary source analysis, comprehension questions, and engaging activities.

Common Core State Standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7: Analyze various accounts of a single historical event or issue, recognizing and clarifying differences in points of view.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.8: Distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and determine the difference between fact and opinion.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.9: Analyze and evaluate the usefulness of different resources for researching a topic.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.10: Integrate information from diverse sources, including primary and secondary sources, print and digital sources, and visual sources, in order to write about a topic.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6-8.4: Present claims and findings clearly and concisely using relevant evidence.
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