This morning, we went to see Freedom Train , a Theatreworks musical about the Underground Railroad. The kids and I really enjoyed the production and felt it did a good job balancing the harshness of reality with humor.

When we got home, we pulled out a multi-media kit on the Underground RR that Emily had picked out about a year or so ago at the National Civil Rights Museum giftshop. We watched the video and listened to some songs, both traditional and more recent. Afterwards, we read biographies of Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, from David Adler's Picture Book Biography Series. This is a great series for younger children--some good detail, but short enough to read in a single sitting.

The kids spent the afternoon playing underground railroad, and after dinner, Emily did an improv musical number. Just one more way Unschooling parents KNOW their children are learning:

I'm so tired from workin' all day,
Scrubbin' the floor and
Moppin' the floor.

No more doin' what Master say,
Oh Grandmother Moses,
Oh Grandma Moses,
Show us the way!

Just look toward the Northern Star,
Your only compass is the Northern Star,
You'll go through water,
Push through the bushes,
Grandmother Moses will be your guide.

Follow the Drinking Gourde!
God will find your way.
God will know you say
No more scrubbin' floors
No more dustin' ceilings.

Just follow the Drinking Gourde!
Just follow the Drinking Gourde!
Just follow the Drinking Gourde!
Now, you know what to do,
Just follow the Drinking Gourde!

It may look like a big spoon,
But it's the way to freedom.
Oh Moses! Oh Moses!

Oh Moses, please guide us to heaven.
Just guide us to freedom.
Just guide us to freedom, please,
You know what I'm talkin' about.

No more listenin' to Master say.
Send secret notes.
Say secret passages.

Go ahead and walk through streams
Carry your own young when they're so tired.
Go towards freedom.
Go or die.

No more words to say,
No more whips; no more cryin'.
Go on an Underground Railroad.
Go on an Underground Railroad.

It is a trail of houses,
Moses led more than 300 people to safety.
Women aren't weak!
Stand up whether you're black or white!

Just to be free!
That's what matters!
Now, you should know what I'm talkin' about:
Freedom!
Freedom!
Freedom!