Fifth graders culminated their unit
study of immigration with an authentic experience of this piece of
history. The day began with a guest speaker, Mr. Ramirez, who is a
more recent immigrant from Guatemala. He told of his experiences
immigrating to America in more recent times. Dressed as immigrants
from the early 1900's, the students then began their journey to
Ellis Island.
Before boarding the
boat to Ellis Island, the students had to purchase their 1st class,
2nd class, or steerage tickets. Each student had a different amount
of money, which they earned the previous week from completing their
homework and classroom jobs. Once aboard their boat, they began
their journey to Ellis Island. Once they arrived, they had to have
their visas inspected, answer questions, have a medical exam, and
pass a citizenship test. We are proud to say that all 5th graders
made it to America safely!
