Riding Freedom

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What is a stagecoach? How was the stagecoach important during the 1800s?

Teaching Suggestion: The historical images in these and similar resources may help students pinpoint and better understand the time period of the novel. Students might, for example, list details they notice as each image is revealed. They might work in small groups to identify any connecting details and label these with a category name, then discuss or note conclusions they draw about stagecoaches and the time period. Alternatively, students could have some time to look through the images independently at their own pace and choose one on which to focus, then share their noted details with the group. Reading the History article or a similar resource may provide additional historical background that directly connects to the protagonist in the novel. Students might annotate the article for any details that stand out to them and questions they have.

• This site from The Henry Ford focuses on art showcasing stagecoaches. For the various pieces included here, additional background and details are included.