Freedom Train
As a teacher, I try to maximize a learning experience by tying together multiple pieces in efforts to create a more comprehensive picture. One of the ways I recently did this was by signing up to attend a play based on a book, called “Freedom Train.” The book level is above my third graders’ reading ability, but I planned to use it as a read aloud, incorporate lots of multi-subject activities, and then strengthen the experience by bringing the book to life in a play format.
Freedom Train is an amazing historical account of events from our past. Its impact is still much alive today as it was yesterday. It is heavy in the emotional department once you allow yourself to connect with the risk-taking individuals that I dare call “characters.”
In planning for this unit, I realized that the student-led book clubs that I currently had students engaged in would be the vehicle to introduce the book, Freedom Train. I have a cluster of TD (certified “gifted”) students and their book club is self-running at this point. They could handle the content and discussion of this text on a deeper level without my guidance. I then realized that they could share their findings with the entire class before the play. This would allow all students to go into the play with sufficient prior knowledge and empower my TD cluster to take on leadership in the classroom by teaching their peers.
When I broke the news to my TD group they were more excited than I imagined. Immediately they came up with lots of ideas in order to convey the knowledge to their peers. The group dynamics were 2 African American students, 1 Asian, and 1 Hispanic. They each felt the pain and struggle as the “characters” described them in the book. They had numerous connections from their personal lives due to the same societal pressures and judgments. This book hit home for them without that being the intention. But I soon realized that this book gave them power to accept their situation and become better for it. They have each other; together they went on this journey and “get it.”
They also will remember this moment in the future when they read quality literature and are able to identify with it on the same level; maybe even cause much of the same reaction as this particular text- tears, laughter, and anger. Their book discussions often had to be “hushed,” because they were so passionate about their thoughts, which in turn was distracting to the other students who were silently reading. They brought their own story to the table, discussed a uniform shared perspective (the book), and then continued to connect the two together to create a stronger self afterwards.
It was amazing to watch them along this journey. They read the book over the course of a month, discussed major themes and concepts weekly, and later created a Power Point to share with the class.
So the day came where we were going to attend the play Freedom Train through a children’s theater partnership. My TD group was beyond excited to see each event played out before their eyes, and the other students were so excited to see this play that their peers so excellently got them geared up for.
My TD group was sad to see that only the highlights made it to the play and were quick to judge the efforts of the talented staff. “Didn’t they know…?” “How could they…?” or “If only…” This made me laugh, but it gave me the opportunity to talk about lots of books that have become movies or plays and how due to time constraints only a handful of major events made it to the actual viewing audience. Of course, my answer was not what they were seeking! Needless to say, they were amped up on the ride home!
The other students enjoyed the experience of going to see a play as well. They felt they were prepared and it was an accurate depiction based on the introduction from their peers. The actors did a great job of inserting funny moments to engage the kiddos (thank you!), but many events or concepts went over their heads. This subject is hard for young students to understand due to its depth. If this were an entire unit, I would have been able to delve deeper and really get all students emotionally connected to truly feel what was being portrayed on the stage. But, it is what it is and I am okay with it. My students enjoyed the experience for multiple reasons and I am thankful for that.
I found myself crying throughout the play due to the nature of the story. It was painful to see what individuals had to endure during that time (even now!). The attitudes of many people were so inaccurate, judgmental, and unfair. I wanted to scream out and cheer on the brave warriors of this time. I can’t even imagine myself living in this time period. How would I react? Would I survive? Would I help?
Overall, I am so touched that this book had a bigger impact than I initially intended. My students are growing by leaps and bounds in front of my eyes and are maximizing every opportunity I give them. They are teaching me more than I am teaching them. Its humbling, but I have to continue to push myself to provide for them so they can continue to grow. This unit of study has shown me how much students are capable of if you enable them to soar. These students were committed to this journey and I am amazed at their devotion, interest, and commitment.
I highly encourage the use of this book. Many students can relate to the events in ways you cannot even predict. The way students look at scenarios at times baffles me, but makes total sense. I’d love to hear more student perspectives on this book. I encourage you to try incorporating Freedom Train and then check back in with me to tell me how it went! 🙂
How do you take student learning to the next level?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.
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