To continue the discussion of self-reflection, appreciating diversity and increasing pride in individual cultural identity, we discussed the topic of immigration and took the time to make connections that "we were once them." During this lesson, students studied various types of maps to show different factors of identity such as ancestry and religious beliefs. Then, students watched a short clip of President Obama discussing immigration and how all Americans, unless Native American, came from immigrants who traveled here in hopes of a better life. With this, we discussed what it means to be "American"  then students delved into researching Ellis Island and Angel Island. Using their KWL chart as shown below, students collected interesting facts from the websites I provided to share with their classmates. This worksheet helped them gather and organize their thoughts in order to properly record and then speak about the issues that immigrants face. After discussing their takeaways, we revisited the question of "What is American?".

Students began making connections to why people wanted to come here then, and now, the hardships people faced and are facing to becoming a citizen, and the resistance that Americans put up then and now to changing demographics. As students continued their research they shared their opinions on the injustices that immigrants face as human beings. One response was, "we treat them [immigrants] like animals, by capturing them and keeping them in detention centers which is like a pound."

Students were surprised that they had never heard of Angel Island and believed that many people probably have not made the connections to the past and how immigrants are treated today. Throughout our lesson, students were citing the resources as they shared with one another new facts and connections they were making. This lesson helped them think about immigration, a real-world issue, in a more empathetic way.