From Perspective to Experience - An Immigration Day in the Making

Reading Refugee by Alan Gratz created a set of shared refugee stories that helped us reference and further our ideas while trying to make sense of the complicated and often daring immigration stories that are a part of United States history. 

When discussing the different experiences immigrants might have in entering the country, an new idea arose for the undocumented perspective. Ben K passionately spoke that not having documents didn't just determine how you entered the states, but how that would limit your experience for life. The kids began creating a list of events that required having appropriate documentation. This included: getting a driver's license, going to school, gaining employment, renting an apartment, or paying taxes. The conversation continued to discuss how challenging any of these tasks would be in a new language with new cultural norms. 

They are excited to apply these ideas to their experience in Immigration Day.

A Small Wonder

It was a morning where nothing was going right. Our pens were running out of ink, our geo-board bands were breaking, and we were rushed with all the learning that needed to happen. Ms. Akehurst even messed up and took us to the woods to do some team building with Tom Handel, only to learn that it was scheduled for the following day. After a quick game of Infection Tag, we headed back inside. And then it happened.

As if we were of one body and mind, all 19 of us froze in place, and a wondering silence instantly fell over us as we watched in awe. There, by the tree, was a mama duck with her brace of ducklings carefully camouflaged against the mottled bark. As the mama gained confidence in our silence, she led her ducklings into the forest we just exited. Together, we stood and watched this small cluster of wonder toddle on their way through the grass. And, while they paid us no heed, we thought back to the morning's message in chapel. Our planet is an endless sea of small wonders, we just have to slow down and look. What a blessing for our class; our day of broken frustrations and mistaken schedules led us to this quiet moment that we shared together.

Following Student Voice into Immigration

We've concluded our deep dive into Jamestown, forming the colonies, and the events leading up to the American Revolution. We even declared independence with some rousing and heartfelt speeches. 

Bridging the gap between the American Revolution to the USA history of Immigration we reflected on the following quote,

"Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The student reflections about the connections between being a country of both revolutionists and immigrants showed that we are a people made of bravery and perseverance; we are a people who are willing to fight for opportunities and what we believe is right. The students' thoughts around this are inspirational, and a powerful way to jump into our current study on immigration.

After some research on Ellis Island and Angel Island, we were ready to form our own questions about immigration.  

• Why did they come?
• What did they have to leave behind?
• Is this still happening today?
• Were some of the immigrants treated differently because of their race or religion?

 Using a limited number of votes, each partner pair chose 5 photos they wanted to know more about. Our curiosity is piqued, and we are intrigued to know more about these photos.

After our careful observations, we entered a Grand Conversation where we talked about our wonderings and began to connect ideas. A few of our thoughts included:

"How was the image of the slave boat connected to immigration?"
"Well, they were migrants, but not by choice."
"They were forced to come to this country...but does that mean they were immigrants?"
"I thought slavery was ended by the time this ship image was created."

"I am curious about the literacy test picture."
"It said underneath that it was home to the land of the free. But the picture made it clear you were only free if you could pass the literacy test."
"I think the wall in the photo is a metaphor. I think it represents that people aren't really welcomed"
"Are there literacy tests today? Are they really hard?"
"What are some of the other things people have to do today to enter the US?"

It is exciting to wonder where these thoughtful voices will take us as we embark on a new journey...one that connects student interest and curiosity to creating their own immigration experience.