Content Area: Social Studies

 

Index: 6.4A Grade 4 CPI 3

 

Standard: 6.4 - US & NJ History

 

Strand: A -  Family and Community Life

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 3 - The student will understand reasons why various groups, voluntarily and involuntarily, immigrated to America and New Jersey, and describe the problems they encountered.

 

Grade: 4

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        Students research the hardships that many immigrants experienced due to cruel and inhumane behavior of other groups. They write a short narrative and create a poster depicting the events. Next, discuss the famous quote displayed at Ellis Island: “Before arriving in America, I heard the roads were paved with gold. When I arrived, I found that I was the one who had to pave them.” After the class discussion, students write a short paragraph interpreting the meaning of this quote.

 

·        Students research the arrival of their own family in New Jersey by interviewing family members. They show this movement by creating a personal family map, that they share with their classmates. During sharing time, students relate the reasons for immigration that they discovered in the interview. These reasons are listed on a class chart, which can be used when looking for similarities and differences in decisions to emigrate.

 

·        Students research immigration to New Jersey at various points in its history. They locate on a map where major populations settled and discuss possible reasons for settlement (e.g., economics, physical terrain, climate, religion). They list the benefits and challenges of immigration and analyze how it has impacted their family, town, and state. Students discuss the 1998 Supreme Court case (6-3 decision) whereby 90% (24 acres) of the present Ellis Island belongs to New Jersey. Those students whose relatives came through Ellis Island might discuss where they thought their relatives disembarked.