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This Ellis Island Simulation activity also includes:
- Activity
- Teacher Reference
- Template
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Young historians step into the shoes of immigrants coming to Ellis Island. A simulation creates an experience in which participants visit several rooms, go through an interview process, and receive a stamp in their passport—either making their way into the United States of America or being deported. The simulation ends with a patriotic celebration.
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CCSS:
Adaptable
Concepts
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
- Visit the library to gather a collection of books on immigration and Ellis Island
- Assign a reflection piece where pupils write on paper or a blog post about their experience, sharing how they felt, what they learned, and ask any remaining questions
Classroom Considerations
- Be sensitive to the deportation portion of the lesson, consider your population and how that topic will affect them
- The activity requires several classrooms and a large open space such as the gym or cafeteria
- This resource isn't written like a lesson plan but more as an overview meant for colleagues or administration
Pros
- Incorporates parent volunteers
- A hands-on learning experience boosts engagement and proficiency
Cons
- Example letters and templates are provided but you will need to make materials from scratch