⭐️What Was the Underground Railroad? Nonfiction Book Study is a complete reading comprehension and vocabulary unit that breaks this book into sections to build background and content knowledge on enslavement and The Underground Railroad. Students will answer comprehension questions, understand and build tier two vocabulary, and analyze historical events and influential figures during the Civil War and enslavement. This unit goes along with the book “What Was the Underground Railroad?” by Yona Zeldis McDonough.
⭐️Integrates a variety of reading and critical thinking skills. It is broken down so students can complete this novel study independently, in small groups or literature circles, or as a whole class activity.
⭐️Focus on Vocabulary: Tier 2 vocabulary practice is entwined in each section of this unit. Vocabulary activities are supported by The Science of Reading Research and are developed to ensure students learn and use tier 2 vocabulary.
⭐️Focus on Nonfiction: Build content knowledge on historical events by reading a genuine nonfiction text that incorporates nonfiction reading comprehension skills including text structure and text features.
Features:
✏️Low Prep – Print and go. This resource is easy to use because little prep is needed!
✏️Reading Comprehension – Integrates key reading comprehension skills, character analysis, and understanding of the plot, vocabulary, and word analysis.
✏️Vocabulary – Direct focus on key tier two vocabulary words for each chapter.
✏️Assessments – Incorporates a short assessment for each chapter.
What’s Included?
Our book guide for What Was the Underground Railroad? is designed to build both content knowledge and vocabulary, two essential pillars of student learning. Grounded in research showing that content knowledge and vocabulary are major predictors of academic success, this unit immerses students in a meaningful exploration of history while strengthening their language skills.
This guide is a tool for fostering discussion, engagement, and application of knowledge. Through guided conversations, students will explore key topics, apply newly acquired vocabulary, and engage in critical thinking by making connections between historical events.
The guide focuses on helping students practice these essential skills, encouraging them to discuss, reflect, and share ideas as they deepen their understanding of the text. By incorporating carefully crafted nonfiction lessons, activities, and discussions, we aim to develop strong readers who can comprehend complex texts, think critically, and draw connections between the past and present.
Our intentional focus on vocabulary ensures students grasp key terms within context, enhancing their ability to navigate academic texts across subjects. We believe that through engaging nonfiction book studies like this one, students cultivate a love for learning, a curiosity for knowledge, and the foundational skills needed to thrive academically and beyond.
This book guide was created for What Was the Underground Railroad? and is divided into SIX sections:
Skills Addressed Include:
Answer Key Included
Please note: The book “What Was the Underground Railroad?” is NOT included and must be purchased seperatly.
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