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What life was like for children who worked in the mines during the Industrial Revolution. Huge amounts of coal were needed and children as young as five worked at jobs that were dangerous and exhausting. Trappers kept the airflow going which stopped the build-up of dangerous gases. Drawers dragged truckloads of coal to the surface. Older children operated the mine shaft pulleys. Pay and working conditions were poor and life expectancy short.

Students could discuss the experiences of the children who worked in coal mines. Working in small groups, students could create a tableau, or a freeze frame image of students working in the mines. Tap each student on the shoulder, and as you do they could come to life and express their character’s thoughts and feelings at that time. Students could use this role-play as stimulus for creative writing and write a diary entry for a child working in the mine. Students could describe their daily routine, thoughts and feelings.