Ep 4. Follow the Drinking Gourd

Follow the Drinking Gourd is the fourth episode of the tenth season of Reading Rainbow, a children's television series that promotes reading and literacy. Hosted by actor LeVar Burton, each episode of Reading Rainbow features a different children's book and explores its themes and lessons through various segments and activities.

In Follow the Drinking Gourd, LeVar Burton introduces viewers to the works of African-American author Jeanette Winter. The episode is centered around Winter's book of the same name, which tells the story of slaves escaping from the South to freedom in the North using the "drinking gourd" or the Big Dipper as a guide. The book is based on a popular folk song used by slaves as a secret code to communicate escape routes and other information.

The episode starts with LeVar inside a library, introducing viewers to the book and its author. He explains the history behind the drinking gourd's use by slaves and how the book is based on that history. He then invites viewers to explore more about the book and its themes.

The next segment takes viewers on a journey through the history of slavery in the United States. LeVar visits a plantation in Virginia that was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. He discusses how slavery was a significant part of American history and how it impacted the lives of millions of people.

Next, LeVar meets a group of schoolchildren who are learning about the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom. The children are shown different examples of how slaves used codes like the drinking gourd song to communicate with each other.

After that, LeVar and a group of kids head outdoors to explore nature and the stars. They learn about constellations, including the Big Dipper, the constellation that slaves used as a navigation guide. The kids learn about how stars move across the sky and how to identify different constellations.

Finally, the episode ends with LeVar reading the book Follow the Drinking Gourd to a group of children. He discusses the book's themes of freedom and hope, and how it teaches us about the courage and perseverance of slaves who fought for their freedom. He encourages viewers to read more about slavery and its impact on American history.

Overall, Follow the Drinking Gourd is a great episode of Reading Rainbow that teaches children about an important part of American history. Through Jeanette Winter's book, viewers are introduced to the concept of secret codes and escape routes used by slaves, as well as the bravery and resilience necessary to escape to freedom. LeVar Burton's enthusiastic hosting and the show's engaging segments make the episode both educational and entertaining.