Grades K–2

This lesson can be taught in 3 class periods.

Lesson Introduction:
The focus for students in this age group is on recognizing the unique contribution of immigrants coming to the United States in creating our history and culture. This lesson can be taught in 1–3 class periods.

Day 1: Explain to students that except for Native Americans, all people living in the United States have an immigrant past. Over the last few centuries, millions of people have made their way to America — and hundreds of thousands still come each year. Some, like slaves, came unwillingly. Most were drawn by the promise of greater freedom and opportunity. Explain how immigrants in America created a unique American community — sometimes called a "melting pot" or a "tossed salad."

Write the word "Immigration" on the board, as well as the definition. Give students various examples of immigration and use personal stories if possible. Invite students to share their own examples, ideas, or questions about immigration. Also, allow students to share information about their own families' ancestral countries of origin and write all responses on the board.

Day 2: Return to students' ideas from the day before. Write "Ellis Island," on the board and point out that it was an important part in the history of American immigration.

Using an overhead or LCD projector, explore the Ellis Island component. Ask students to imagine that they were immigrants coming to the United States. Ask them the following questions:
Stop 1: The Arrival: How would you have felt coming into Ellis Island? Happy? Scared? Why?
Stop 2: The Baggage Room: If you were moving to a new country and could only take a few things, what would they be?
Stop 4: Medical Exam: Would you be scared going through a medical exam at Ellis Island? Why or why not?
Stop 5: The Great Hall: Close your eyes and imagine you are in the Great Hall of Ellis Island. Soon you will have your interview and find out whether you can come to America or go back home. How are you feeling? What are you thinking about?
Stop 7: Money Exchange: You have just entered Ellis Island, passing all your medical exams and the legal inspection. You have a few bills from your native country to exchange. You hand over your money and get: two ten-dollar bills, two quarters, a dime and a nickel. How much money do you have to start your live in the United States? (Answer $20.65)
Stop 8: The Journey's End: You have arrived in America! What is the first thing you are going to do?

If you don't have a projector have students draw pictures of immigrants coming to America while small groups work through the activity with the teacher.

Day 3: Gather your students for a wrap up discussion about immigration and Ellis Island. Ask students how they think immigration is different today. Lead the discussion to talk about how long it took on a boat versus an airplane. Do immigrants need to go through those eight stops like they did on Ellis Island? Use the Discussion Starters below to get you started.

Extend the Lesson

Create a Class Quilt!
Celebrate the cultural backgrounds of your students with a class quilt. Distribute 8-inch squares of white or light-colored construction paper. Using markers or collage materials, have students create an image on their quilt square that represents their family culture. Encourage students to use diverse materials and themes such as photographs, food packaging, or recipes. Reinforce their squares with cardboard, if necessary. When all squares are ready, use a hole punch to make holes around the edges. Lace the quilt panels together with yarn. Display the finished quilt and invite students to explain their panels to the class.

Create an Immigration Wall of Honor
Either use a map of the world or draw an outline of a map of the world on a large poster board. Ask students to bring in family photos or their parents, grandparents, or any other relative that may have immigrated to the United States. Have students post these photos on the map on top of the country from which they immigrated.

Discussion starters:

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