Underground to Canada Mini Unit Family Bundle (Digital)

This mini unit is our very first novel study! This means it does, for the first time, have a required book: Underground to Canada by Barbara Smucker.

 Please note there is some controversy over this book, which you can research on your own to see what you think. Rebecca strongly believes that to not teach our kids the history of racial slurs and the atrocities of slavery and racism is the very definition of "whitewashing". She believes that our kids will never understand the impact of their words if they don't understand the historical context and the pain they are rooted in. Because of this, racial slurs, racism, and the history of slavery are core themes of this unit that are approached again and again with tact and gentleness and discussion and an amazing narrative that will help give it all meaning. The story is so well written, your kids will be moved by the incredibly courage of Julilly and likely shocked by our not-too-distant past. As a family you will have amazing, and hard, discussions, to build a strong foundation of equality and justice. No child is too young for this book study, there is something for every single member of your family in this, and it is one that I greatly hope you never regret doing! 

This unit is recommended for all ages as the reading is short and easy to digest and understand. Like most of our mini units, it includes 20 lessons and there are 6 different levels of student notebooks, from Pre-Reader to High School. The main theme of this study is racism and slavery, making it a perfect, age appropriate and discussion based unit to do along with Black History month (or anytime of the year). 

The lessons are open and go, they are largely discussion based, and (another first) the student pages are scripted in the Teacher's Guide. This allows the teacher to just open and go and have all their answers and just read it out for all levels (no more jumping around). Charlotte Mason inspired, students will be giving daily summations, making predictions, and doing oral narration throughout. There is a heavy focus on vocabulary and understanding the parts of a story, with daily practice breaking down the characters, the evolving plot, and the setting helping to master the parts of a story for all ages. There are hands on suggestions as well as numerous art projects, and we finish off each week with comprehension quizzes, ending in the final week with a novel quiz to see how well the big ideas were captured. 

Throughout this unit, students will also be choosing a unit project to work on (there are options given in the Teacher's Guide) including a book report, essay, diorama, or character profile. We have also created an optional add on for this unit giving daily instruction on how to write a book report, adaptable for all ages from writing a paragraph to an essay style book report for high school! 

This novel study is rich, with rich discussion prompts and deep discussions to be had. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or hot cocoa and some scones as you analyze some great writing and learn about history in the process! 

-The Teacher's Guide (117 Pages)

-Pre-Reader (3-5 years old) (65 pages)

-Early Reader (5-7 years old) (60 pages)

-Early Elementary (8-10 years old) (54 pages)

-Upper Elementary (10-12 years old) (67 pages)

-Middle School (12-15 years old) (87 pages)

-High School (15-18 years old) (87 pages)

 

These digital files are for one single-family license only. Group orders must be requested through the Gather 'Round Group Department HERE.

Our files are unable to be edited due to password protection. Some commercial printing companies may not be able to print password-protected files.  Digital files are delivered immediately and therefore are not eligible for return and are final sale once they have been purchased.  See the complete refund policy here.