Harriet Tubman Day, observed each year on March 10, honors the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman, a woman whose bravery and determination helped hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom in the United States during the 1800s.

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland around 1822. After escaping slavery herself, she returned again and again to guide others to freedom through a network known as the Underground Railroad. She later worked as a nurse, spy, and scout during the American Civil War and continued advocating for equality and justice throughout her life.

This lesson explores Harriet Tubman’s courage, the meaning of freedom, and how individuals can make a difference by standing up for others.

Educational Videos

K–2 (Harriet Tubman | Underground Railroad | Black History Month Kids Children Preschool |Freedom Fighter)

• Watch the video together.

• Ask simple questions afterward:

  • Who was Harriet Tubman?

  • What brave thing did she do?

• Draw a picture of Harriet Tubman helping people travel safely.

• Explain that the Underground Railroad was not a real train.

• Ask children to imagine helping someone find a safe path home.

3rd–5th Grade (Harriet Tubman’s Escape to Freedom | The Underground Railroad)

• Watch the video and list three brave things Harriet Tubman did.

• Discuss:

  • Why was it dangerous to help enslaved people escape?

  • What does courage mean?

  • Discuss the different people involved: conductors, station masters, and travelers.

  • Have students map a simple path from the southern United States to the north.

6th–8th Grade (The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman - Janell Hobson)

• Watch the video and take notes on Harriet Tubman’s life.

• Discuss:

  • Why do historians consider her a hero?

  • How did the Underground Railroad work?

  • Discuss how secret communication and cooperation made the Underground Railroad possible.

  • Talk about the risks people took to help others.

Interactive Resources

Harriet Tubman Biography for Young Readers

https://www.ducksters.com/biography/women_leaders/harriet_tubman.php A clear and readable biography with facts, pictures, and a short quiz about Harriet Tubman.

K–2

• Read selected paragraphs aloud.

• Ask children to share one thing they learned.

3rd–5th Grade

• Read the full biography.

• Complete the quiz at the bottom of the page.

6th–8th Grade

• Read the biography and write a short summary about Harriet Tubman’s life and achievements.

National Geographic Kids: Harriet Tubman

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/harriet-tubman This article includes photos, key facts, and easy-to-understand explanations of Harriet Tubman’s life.

K–2

• Look at the pictures together.

• Talk about what courage means.

3rd–5th Grade

• Read the article and list five facts about Harriet Tubman.

6th–8th Grade

• Read the article and identify three ways Harriet Tubman changed history.

Crafts and Projects

Freedom Path Map

Create a map showing the journey many people took to escape slavery.

Materials:

• Paper

• Pencil

• Markers or crayons

• Optional: printed map of the eastern United States

K–2

• Draw a simple path with stars showing safe places.

• Talk about helping others find a safe path.

3rd–5th Grade

• Draw a basic map showing southern states and northern states.

• Add symbols for safe houses and forests.

6th–8th Grade

• Research common Underground Railroad routes.

• Create a labeled map showing safe locations and routes to Canada.

Courage Quilt Square

Many communities remember history through quilts and art.

Materials:

• Paper or fabric square

• Crayons, markers, or fabric paint

K–2

• Draw symbols of freedom like stars, birds, or paths.

3rd–5th Grade

• Design a square that shows Harriet Tubman guiding people to safety.

6th–8th Grade

• Create a symbolic quilt square representing courage, freedom, or resistance.

Optional extension: combine family members’ squares into one large “Courage Quilt.”

Importance of the Lesson

Learning about Harriet Tubman helps children understand:

• The history of slavery in the United States

• The meaning of courage and perseverance

• How ordinary people can create extraordinary change

• Why standing up for fairness and human rights matters

Harriet Tubman’s story reminds us that one determined person can make a powerful difference in the lives of others.

Wrap-Up

End the lesson by asking:

• What made Harriet Tubman brave?

• Why is freedom important?

• How can we help others in our communities today?

  
  

Harriet Tubman Day is an opportunity to reflect on courage, kindness, and the responsibility people share to help build a more just world. Through stories, activities, and discussions, children can learn that standing up for what is right is always worth the effort.