This unit examines our fascination with flight, from flying kites to exploring space. Its themes include: “On the Breeze”, “Space Flight”, and “Beyond the Solar System”.
Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky
—Faith Ringgold
Based upon the tale that, while gravely ill, Harriet Tubman dreamed of flying to freedom with a circle of ladies dressed in white, the author tells us of an eight-year-old girl’s magical flight through the sky with her little brother. Their voyage takes them through the experiences endured by slaves as they traveled North on the Underground Railroad. The illustrations are marvelous.
A great deal of information, including songs, is available to further pupils’ understanding of Harriet Tubman and the historical significance of the Underground Railroad.
“Icarus and Daedalus”—
Time for Fairy Tales
Ignoring his father’s warning not to fly too high, Icarus plunges to his death when the heat of the sun melts the wax holding together the wings his father has built. Though this well-known Greek myth is obviously not an American folktale, I feel it fits well here. It provides opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of “flying too high”, as well as allowing us to examine the often repeated admonition to heed the advice of your elders. Regarding its relationship to our study of United States history, pupils might research early attempts at flight, centering on the accomplishments of the Wright Brothers.
“The People Could Fly”—
The People Could Fly
A sad yet inspiring tale of African American slaves who had retained (from their native Africa) the power to fly. Weighted down by the cruelty of their oppressors, they finally rose into the sky and flew to freedom while those who could not fly preserved the memory of those who could.
This tale, along with the other five in the final section of this book, could easily inspire further study and discussion of the struggles endured and the courage displayed by African American slaves.
Originally, I had intended to include a list of alternate tales from which the teacher could choose selections pertinent to each unit. After discovering the wide variety of tales available with overlapping internal themes which could be developed in connection to a number of different units, I have decided to include only the titles of the various collections which I have examined. From these books and others the teacher may discover, there are more than enough appropriate additional tales available for use.
