Visit Ellis Island

History

• The child learns about the history of immigration to the United States and the significance of Ellis Island.
• They understand the experiences of immigrants through interactive exhibits and stories at Ellis Island.
• They grasp the immigration process and the challenges faced by immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• They gain an appreciation for the cultural diversity and contributions of immigrants to American society.

Social Studies

• They comprehend the impact of immigration on American society and the development of the United States as a nation of immigrants.
• They analyze the push and pull factors that influenced immigration during that time period.
• They understand the role of Ellis Island as an immigration processing center and its significance in American history.
• They develop empathy and understanding of the immigrant experience through interactive activities and exhibits.

After visiting Ellis Island, students can continue to develop their understanding by researching and presenting the stories of specific immigrant families who passed through Ellis Island. This could involve creating presentations, timelines, or even short plays based on their research to bring the experiences of those immigrants to life. The students could also interview family members or friends about their own family's immigration stories to further connect with the subject matter.

Book Recommendations

• Island of Hope, Island of Tears by David M. Brownstone and Irene M. Franck: This book provides a comprehensive account of Ellis Island's history and the experiences of the immigrants who passed through it.
• Welcome to America, Champ! The Story of Ellis Island by Catherine O'Neill Grace: This book is a fictional story of a young boy arriving at Ellis Island, providing a child-friendly perspective on the immigrant experience.
• Children of Ellis Island by Stephen Krensky: This book features stories of various immigrant children who arrived at Ellis Island and includes historical photographs, providing a personal look at the immigrant experience.