Ellis Island
Wonder books Series
What’s inside...
Briefly describes the history of Ellis Island, what happened there when it was used as an immigration station, and how it became a national park in 1965.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think people decided to leave their home countries to come to Ellis Island?
How do you imagine the journey to Ellis Island might have felt for the immigrants?
What are some challenges you think the immigrants faced when they arrived at Ellis Island?
How important is it to have a place like Ellis Island in history?
If you were moving to a new country, what would you take with you and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child what they know about immigration and share some family stories if applicable.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the shoes of the immigrants.
Use a globe or a map to track the possible routes immigrants might have taken to reach Ellis Island.
Discuss the relevance of Ellis Island today and its legacy in shaping the modern world.
Explore the emotions associated with leaving one's homeland and arriving in a new place.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical events
Explanation: The book 'Ellis Island' educates children on the significant role Ellis Island played in American immigration history.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge to understand diverse ethnic backgrounds and the history of the people in their community.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Through the experiences of immigrants depicted in the book, children learn the hardships and challenges faced by people moving to a new country.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy and compassion in their interactions with peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book illustrates the determination of immigrants as they underwent the rigorous processes at Ellis Island.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain resilient and determined when facing their own challenges in school or life.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for cultural diversity
Explanation: By highlighting the wide range of cultures and nationalities that passed through Ellis Island, the book promotes an appreciation for multiculturalism.
Real-World Application: Children can celebrate and respect cultural differences, making them more inclusive and understanding individuals.
Example Lesson: Importance of history in shaping identities
Explanation: This book demonstrates how historical events shape collective and individual identities, using Ellis Island as a key example.
Real-World Application: Children can explore their own family histories and heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.