German Immigrants, 1820-1920 (Coming to America)
Coming To America Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Discusses reasons German people left their homeland to come to America, the experiences immigrants had in the new country, and the contributions this cultural group made to American society.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges do you think German immigrants faced when they arrived in America between 1820 and 1920?
How do you think the experiences of the German immigrants shaped their new life in America?
Can you imagine what it would be like to move to a completely new country? What would you find exciting or challenging?
Why do you think people from Germany decided to immigrate to America during that time?
How can we apply the lessons learned from the experiences of German immigrants to today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the historical context of immigration presented in the book. Use parallels to modern events to make the discussion relevant. Acknowledge any emotional responses, as topics like immigration can evoke many feelings. Let your child express their thoughts and ideas freely, fostering an open environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: The book chronicles the challenges German immigrants faced and overcame during their move to America, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt to new environments.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change and overcome personal challenges, understanding that adapting to new situations is a valuable life skill.
Example Lesson: Cultural Diversity and Acceptance
Explanation: This story provides insights into the distinct cultural practices of German immigrants and how they contributed to the American melting pot.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and respect varying cultures they encounter in school or their communities, promoting inclusivity and harmony.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The book educates about the historical context of the 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the reasons for and impacts of immigration.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this historical knowledge to better understand the current world, fostering a connection between past and present societal structures.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Hardship
Explanation: Narratives within the book highlight the numerous obstacles immigrants faced and how continuous effort led them to success.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of persistence and hard work in their education, sports, and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Identity and Heritage
Explanation: It explores how immigrants maintained their German heritage while integrating into American society.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own heritage and the background of others, promoting self-awareness and respect for one’s roots.