Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/93284
"It is an experience that helps children empathize with others by opening their eyes and hearts to the hardships and determination of others." – Anne Johnson The lessons about self and identity introduced in junior kindergarten grow in complexity and depth throughout the lower school years. In second grade for example, students gain a greater understanding of who they are and where they came from through the unit on immigration. They don't just hear about identity, culture and history; they learn interactively, by tracing the footsteps of their own ancestors. The culminating project for the unit is Second graders participate in the Ellis Island simulation. the Ellis Island simulation, facilitated by teachers Anne Johnson, Carrie Smey and Becky Myers. The project is brought to life through conversations students have at home with parents and grandparents, many of whom have gone through their own immigration experience. By taking on the identity of a new immigrant, often from the countries their actual ancestors came from, students experience the confusion and excitement of arriving on American shores, as well as the profound legal and financial challenges often faced by new citizens. They learn geography, and they talk about why people might want to leave everything they know and come to the United States. "They learn about their own family's history coming to America, and they learn about other families," Johnson said. "They try to imagine what it would be like to have no food, and be faced with war, cold weather and seasickness. It is an experience that helps children empathize with others by opening their eyes and hearts to the hardships and determination of others." 32 Latin Magazine