Immigration
Understanding American history Series
What’s inside...
Personal memoirs and photos on immigration from the mid-1800s to the early years of the 20th century bring to life the story shared by many Americans. This anthology includes historic photos from Jacob Riis, Lewis Hine, and others as well as poetry and songs.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the people felt when they moved to a new country?
What are some ways we can make newcomers feel welcome in our community?
What would you take with you if you had to move to another country?
Why do you think people decide to move to a different country?
How do you think learning about different cultures can help us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a globe or a map to show your child where the characters in the book moved from and to. This visual aid can make the story more relatable and understandable.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times when they have entered new situations, and how they felt.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters' shoes and discussing the importance of kindness and understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short story about what it would be like to live in a new country.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach your child about the diverse cultures that make up your community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book portrays the struggles and challenges faced by immigrants, helping children understand and empathize with those from diverse backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing kindness and support to classmates who might be from different cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Cultural diversity
Explanation: This book explores various cultures and traditions of immigrants, illustrating the rich tapestry that different cultures bring to a society.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate cultural diversity in their communities, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: The story highlights how immigrants adapt to new environments and overcome obstacles, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to embrace new situations, be it moving to a new school or trying out new activities, with a positive and resilient outlook.
Example Lesson: History and social studies relevance
Explanation: By addressing the historical context of immigration, the book provides educational insights that align with learning objectives in history and social studies.
Real-World Application: Helps children better understand and connect with historical events and social studies topics taught in school.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: The book shows how immigrant families rely on and support each other through their journey, highlighting the importance of family and community bonds.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and seek support from their own family and community in times of need.