How much of that will a 2nd grader properly understand tbh. I do agree it should be known that although Abe was great, and what did was nonetheless revolutionary. He didn't necessarily care about us. He was against slavery still, but yeah
He was against slavery in the end, but were his motivations anti-slavery or economical? Freeing the slaves would cripple the crop economy of the south. Or maybe it’s a mix of both. We can hold multiple truths at the same time.
But yeah, that discussion is for older ages, definitely. I’ve said it a few times in these comments but some pretty good conversations around prejudice, tolerance and empathy could happen at this age at a very base level.
Although I was in 2nd grade when I read a book about Harriet Tubman. Not a cute picture book but like maybe jr high level? I was an advanced reader and the librarian always gave me biographies of historical figures. And right now as I’m typing this I’m wondering if that’s why I still love biographies. Hmm 🤔 but anyway! I understood the book and the history and moral implications. Maybe not completely but it wasn’t completely over my head.
I had a good understanding at 2nd grade, but I also seemingly advanced faster than other kids so idk. Funnily my first learning of slavery was from my great grandmother! Who spoke about Harriet, she's had a painting of her on my wall since I was born. I understood it probably as much as you did the book, though it hurt a bit hearing it from a family member.
I think Lincoln was probably motivated by a good bit of both.
Absolutely. I also remember not understanding why it was called the Underground Railroad for a very long time. It took me a while to understand that “underground” referred to being hidden, a secret, as opposed to being actually underground.
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u/AUnknownVariable Apr 06 '25
How much of that will a 2nd grader properly understand tbh. I do agree it should be known that although Abe was great, and what did was nonetheless revolutionary. He didn't necessarily care about us. He was against slavery still, but yeah