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Hear Here! is a music appreciation podcast for kids (K-5)! In this 5 episode season, we'll explore different genres of music and the various ways music affects our lives. Hear the music and accomplishments of a boy born with autism, meet professional musicians from our region that started playing as kids, make music using found objects, and more on Hear Here! Each episode will be accompanied by classroom activities, discussion prompts, and additional resources for parents and teachers.

Hear Here! | Singing to Freedom: Slave Songs and the Underground Railroad

Many of us know and love traditional spirituals like Swing Low, Sweet Chariot or Wade in the Water. But a lesser known aspect is that many of these songs served as coded messages for the Underground Railroad. We’ll explore the connection between slavery and the songs that slaves sang on their way to freedom. (Producer: Crystal Sarakas)


Classroom Resources

No Man Can Hinder Me: The Journey From Slavery to Emancipation Through Song by Velma Maia Thomas

'Coded Spirituals' | A full teacher resource gallery from PBS LearningMedia.

Follow the Drinking Gourd | This book, song video, and Reading Rainbow episode offer kids.

Harriet Tubman Historical Society | Songs and lyrics with interpretation of coded meaning.

Underground Railroad: The William Still Story | Lesson plan and media about the hidden messages in spirituals.