Children of the Emancipation (Picture the American Past)
Picture The American Past Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
In Children of the Emancipation, author Wilma King discusses the lives of the nearly four million slaves in the United States by 1860, and how the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 significantly impacted the lives of children, as it was the first step in granting freedom and basic rights to all slaves.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for children during and after the Emancipation?
How do you feel about the challenges these children faced?
What differences and similarities do you see between your life and the lives of the children in the book?
Why do you think it's important to learn about history through the stories of people your age?
What can we learn from the resilience of the children featured in this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the historical events discussed in the book. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the stories of the children depicted. Offer comparisons between their lives and the lives of the children in the past to make the discussion more relatable. Reinforce the value of perseverance and bravery shown by historical figures as life lessons. Lastly, praise your child for their insights and curiosity throughout your discussion, reinforcing the importance of learning and understanding history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Context
Explanation: This book highlights the experiences of children after the Emancipation Proclamation, teaching young readers about the pivotal moments in history.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the importance of historical events in shaping today's society.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Resilience
Explanation: By showcasing the challenges and triumphs of children during the era of emancipation, the book fosters empathy and highlights resilience in overcoming adversities.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to empathize with others' struggles and develop resilience in facing their own challenges in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Freedom and Equality
Explanation: The book discusses the concepts of freedom and equality through the lens of young children during emancipation, providing a foundation for understanding these fundamental human rights.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to value and advocate for equality and freedom in their daily interactions and community involvement.
Example Lesson: Strength of Community
Explanation: Children of the Emancipation illustrates how freed children and their families built strong communities, despite numerous obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of community support and teamwork, encouraging them to actively participate and contribute to their own communities.