Frederick Douglass
Lesson plans and teaching resources

|Biography and Background| |Resources for Reading|
|Resources for Research and Writing| |Related Sites|

Biography and Background

Biography: Frederick Douglass
Resources to accompany the video, including vocabulary, discussion questions, and postviewing activities. Video can be recorded during broadcast or purchased.

Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-1938
This collection from the Library of Congress includes ideas for 5 different lessons.

Douglass's Maryland
A virtual tour of key sites in the life of Frederick Douglass.

Minibiography of Frederick Douglass
This online presentation runs 2:44. It is professionally done.

Songs of Slavery
Students read and analyze 4 songs, write a protest song of their own, and discuss "the significance of music and coded language in the slave community."

Taking the Train to Freedom
In 1990, Congress authorized the National Park Service to conduct a study of the Underground Railroad, its routes and operations in order to preserve and interpret this aspect of United States history. This study includes a general overview of the Underground Railroad, with a brief discussion of slavery and abolitionism, escape routes used by slaves, and alternatives for commemoration and interpretation of the significance of the phenomenon.

The Underground Railroad in New York State
This site catalogs information on the People and Places of New York that were involved in the activities of the Underground Railroad, and provides reliable information about their role in African Americans' struggle for freedom.

Resources for Reading

"An Appeal to Congress for Impartial Suffrage"
This article by Douglass was published in The Atlantic in 1867.

Escape from Slavery, 1838
Excerpts from Douglass's writing illustrated with period photographs.

Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself
Chapter-by-chapter questions for analysis and discussion.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself
Text of the autobiography, divided into chapters, printable. Includes an introduction by William Lloyd Garrison, a letter from Wendell Phillips, and a brief biography.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave
Summary and some discussion questions.

"Reconstruction"
This article by Douglass was published in The Atlantic in 1866.

Teacher's Guide to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself
Overview, study questions, and learning activities from Penguin Putnam. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

Resources for Research and Writing

Biography Writing with Patricia and Frederick McKissack at Scholastic.com
Students learn how to research and write a biographical sketch, including research and writing strategies. They can also receive a Certificate of Achievement. Sample biography of Frederick Douglass is available onsite.

Famous Person: Frederick Douglass
This set of lessons is designed for 5th and 6th graders. It includes biography, classroom activities, and suggestions for assessment.

Frederick Douglass
On this page, a brief biography. Follow the links to teaching ideas, discussion questions, and archived support materials.

The Power of Words
Ten lessons exploring the impact of language in a multicultural society. Includes a lesson on ethnic stereotypes and ethnic identity.

Related Sites

Douglass in the Classroom
After reading and researching, 4th graders form a tableau vivant in response to the question, "Would you rather be a male or female slave and why?" Includes handout.

"Poetry Out Loud" Winner Reads "Frederick Douglass"
Follow the link to an audiofile of high school student Shawntay Henry reciting Robert Hayden's poem "Frederick Douglass."

Robert Hayden, Full of Grace
A lesson using Robert Hayden's poem "Frederick Douglass."

Frederick Douglass: The Last Day of Slavery by William Miller
The teacher guide for this children's book includes summary, prereading and comprehension questions, vocabulary, suggestions for use in literature circles, reader responde and writing topics, ESL and interdisciplinary strategies. Access to this 8-page document requires Adobe Reader or compatible application.