A Real Superhero

Read the following with your child:

Think about your favorite superhero and what makes them your favorite. Most superheroes have powers, fight bad guys and save lots of lives. Today we are going to learn about a real life superhero named Harriet Tubman who lived before, during and after the Civil War.

Harriet Tubman was a slave who escaped to freedom in 1849. At the risk of being caught and killed, Harriet led her family and other slaves to freedom using a secret Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad wasn't a train, but instead was a series of hideouts that would take five days to three weeks to travel on foot. Even though she had a horrible head injury, Harriet saved more than 70 people escape from slavery and participated in 13 rescue missions.

Harriet Tubman was also the first woman to lead an armed raid during the Civil War. Her leadership helped free more than 700 people from slavery during the Combahee River Raid in 1863. Although she was very famous, Harriet was very poor because she spent all of her money helping other people. In her later years, she opened a retirement hospital for African-Americans. At the age of 91, Harriet Tubman passed away from pneumonia. Her last words were, "I go to prepare a place for you."

Activity: Helping Like Harriet

What You Need:

• A printed copy of the Helping Like Harriet activity
• Crayons
• A pencil

1. Ask your child to think about a way they could help another person. This could be a family member, friend or neighbor.
2. Discuss a few ideas such as helping an elderly neighbor, doing a sibling's chores or donating toys to Goodwill.
3. After completing the good deed, your child should complete the Helping Like Harriet activity page. There is also a place for your child to draw a picture.