The Walking Classroom

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“John Henry”

Today’s Walking Classroom podcast talks about the famous legend, John Henry — a freed slave who began working as a steel driver. His power and strength were put to the test when he raced against a steel-driving machine and died. His story grew more and more exaggerated until he became legendary.

Health Message: Many ways we can get exercise
Character Value: Perseverance

Click for Standards Alignment

Common Core

L–Language | SL–Speaking and Listening | RI–Reading: Informational | RL–Reading: Literature | W–Writing | RH–6-8 Literacy in History/Social Studies | RST–6-8 Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects Elementary School:
RL.3.1, RL.3.2, RL.3.3, SL.3.1, SL.3.4
RL.4.1, RL.4.2, RL.4.5, RL.4.9, SL.4.1, SL.4.4
RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.9, SL.5.1, SL.5.4
Middle School:
RL.6.1, RL.6.2, RL.6.9, SL.6.1, SL.6.4
RL.7.1, RL.7.2, RL.7.9, SL.7.1, SL.7.4
RL.8.1, RL.8.2, RL.8.9, SL.8.1, SL.8.4

Supplemental Resource Links and Downloads

Quiz: (Make sure you're already logged into your Gmail account, then click to copy this Google form to your Google Drive. Quiz keys are here.)
John Henry Google Quiz https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SNej6fVpFH5vGcR67K6Ww5FZ1MPeq9atNC2hGXUxpIg/copy

Slide Deck:
John Henry Slide Deck https://thewalkingclassroom.box.com/s/k80ybrni7pigdkegdmuarnxg0ny8l9s9

Related Videos:


John Henry (2000) – Trailer
0:52

Presents the trailer for the Disney movie about John Henry.


“Ballad of John Henry”
3:45

Shows Doc Watson singing the folk song “Ballad of John Henry.”

Additional Resources:


“John Henry” Quiz
Online Activity

Test knowledge of “John Henry” in this online multiple choice quiz.


If I Had a Hammer
Multi-Day Project

Explore the real man behind the legend of “John Henry” and write a story about facing adversity in this project from the Canton Museum of Art.


“John Henry” Word Search
Printable or Worksheet

Demonstrate knowledge of “John Henry” by finding the hidden words.


Exploring “John Henry”
Hands-on Activity

Explore how music can be used to tell a story using the folk tale “John Henry” in this activity from the Savannah Music Festival.

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