A Day Like Sweet Clara's

Welcome - Introductory Experience - Slavery Introduced - Clara's Quilt - The Secret to Freedom..

Preparation:

This activity asks students to try their hand at some of the tasks that a slave might have performed on a plantation. It can take place at work stations set up in the classroom. If weather permits, some or all of these activities could also take place outdoors.

Parent volunteers can be a real asset, both as a source of supplies and to help with the activities. (We've provided a printable sample letter to parents.)

You'll need the following supplies:

10 bags of cotton balls
10 large needle type dog brushes
1 old sock per child- with holes
3 ball of yarn for darning and weaving
6 - 7 large darning needles for use with yarn
2 old blankets
8 brooms and old rags for cleaning
7 gallons of water-unopened
3 laundry baskets

Set the materials out at each work station, along with the label for that station. Click here for printable labels with instructions for each station.

Now, introduce the lesson.

Introduction:

Now it's time for each of you to have a sample of what Sweet Clara's day might have been like.

Divide the class into groups that will tour the workstations, then introduce the activity.

We will do the kinds of activities that Clara may have done during her work day. We have several different Work Stations set up.

You will move as a group to each Work Station and work there with out stopping until I give the signal.

When you hear the signal, stop immediately. Then straighten up the station you worked at and I will direct your group to the next Work Station.

Today's jobs are Carding and Spinning, Darning, Sleeping, Sweeping and Cleaning, Carrying Cotton Bales, and Fetching and Carrying Water. There are instructions at each station.

Summing Up:

At the end of the work period call students to the group discussion area. Ask students to share anything special they learned at each work station. Record their answers as well as their feelings about what a real day must have been like for Sweet Clara. An important objective of this lesson is to allow students to fully respect the skill, strength and spirit of both body and mind of these enslaved Americans.

next...The Secret to Freedom

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