Wanda A. Velez
This unit is designed to supplement the curriculum of the 7th and 8th grade Social Studies Program. In 7th grade the Social Studies program covers the Eastern Hemisphere, in 8th grade the Western Hemisphere.
The American immigrant experience has influenced our image as a nation (8th grade curriculum), and also our relationship with other nations around the world (7th grade curriculum).
It is very important that the students understand that “we” as a nation, do not stand by ourselves, but are involved with the world around us. One way to bring that world closer to us is to understand that we have ethnical ties with almost every nation in the world. The cultural heritages of many countries have influenced the formation of our culture, the dreams and desires of many nations have been fulfilled and completed in our nation. The dream of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” that has lived in the hearts of many immigrants has found its completion here.
By understanding these dreams, we can comprehend more fully our destiny and our reality. I also hope that by understanding the immigrants better, we understand what being an American means.
Lesson Plan 1
Introduction:
Theme
Many different people have immigrated to the United States of America over the last 300 years. All have come with a desire to resettle and begin a new and better life in this new country.
Objectives
After completing the lesson, the students should understand:
1.
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The large number and the reasons why so many people chose to come to America.
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2.
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The hardship involved in relocating to another country.
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3.
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The contribution that each group has made to the overall tapestry of this country.
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Vocabulary study
The teacher will facilitate the study of the lesson by identify and define any word that might be unfamiliar to the student.
Activities
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1. Have each student ask their relatives the country of origin of their ancestors.
2.
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If available, have the students talk to a relative or friend who immigrated to the United States, and remembers the experience.
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3.
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Have these students share their reports with the other students and discuss the contents.
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Lesson Plan
2
Theme
As our ancestors have struggled to become part of this country, so the present day immigrant is struggling. Relate the continuing influx of immigrants to this country to our everyday life , and our awareness of this or lack of it.
Objectives
To observe and identify with a new immigrant. his or her problems and rewards.
Vocabulary study
As in lesson 1.
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Activities
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1. Identify, where possible, a new immigrant student in the class or in the school. Ask this student to relate some of his or her personal experiences.
2.
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Ask the immigrant parent of a student to speak to the class and talk about their feelings about this adoptive country.
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3.
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Have students write an assignment paper describing:
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a.
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How does it feel to go and live in a foreign country, not knowing the language, the way of life, etc. . . .
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b.
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How would it feel to go to school in this foreign country.
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c.
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What things would you find different in this country.
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d.
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Write a letter back home and describe the similarities and differences of this country.
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Lesson Plan 3
Theme
In spite of our cultural pluralism, we are one nation with common bonds and shared dreams and ideals.
Objectives
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1. The student will identify and evaluate some of the similarities and differences among Americans.
2.
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The student will answer the question “Is America like a ’melting pot’ or more like a ’tossed salad”’?
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V
ocabulary
s
tudy
As in Lesson 1.
Activities
Have students answer similar questions about immigration in America.
1.
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Name several different ethnic groups living in America today.
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2.
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Give some reasons why people have emigrated to the United States.
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3.
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What are some of the skills brought by these people.
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4.
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Identify different celebrations or traditions that other groups observe.
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5.
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How are Americans alike and how are they different.
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TEACHER BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.
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BALDWIN, James.
Notes of a Native Son
. Boston: Beacon Press, 1955.
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A collection of essays on life in Harlem, the protest novel, movies and Americans abroad.
2.
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BODNAR, John.
The Transplanted
. Bloomington. Indiana University Press, 1985.
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A sound and scholarly interpretation of the American immigrant experience between 1830 and 1930.
3.
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GANS, Herbert J.
The Urban Villagers.
New York: The Free Press, 1962.
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A study of groups and class in the life of ItalianAmericans in the Boston’s neighborhood called West End.
4.
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GLAZIER, Nathan and MOYNIHAN, Daniel Patrick.
Beyond the Melting Pot
. Cambridge: The M.I.T. Press, 1963.
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A study of the Negroes, Puerto Ricans, Jews, Italians and Irish immigrants of New York City.
5.
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HANDLIN, Oscar.
Al Smith and His America
. Boston: Northeastern University, 1958.
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An account of Al Smith’s political career that culminated in 1928 with his unsuccessful race for the presidency.
6.
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HUGGINS, Nathan Irving.
Harlem Renaissance
. New York: Oxford University Press, 1971.
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An historical treatment of the literary and artistic development of Harlem during the 1920’s.
7.
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KENNEDY, John F.
A Nation of Immigrants
. New York: Harper & Row, 1964.
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A narrative of the struggles of immigrants and their gifts and contributions to this country.
8.
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KING, Susanne D. C
onnecticut’s Twentieth Century Pilgrims
. Hartford: American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut, 1977.
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A celebration of people who came to the United States from around the world to make the Nation and the State of Connecticut their home.
9.
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KINGSTON, Maxine Hong.
The Woman Warrior
. New York: Vintage Books, 1975.
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An account of the meaning of growing up female and ChineseAmerican in California.
10.
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LAMM, Gov. Richard D. and IMHOFF, Gary.
The Immigration Time Bomb
. New York: Truman Talley Books, 1985.
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A study of the problems that massive legal and illegal immigration are causing in the United States today.
11.
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NAMIAS, June.
First Generation
. Boston: Beacon Press, 1978.
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A collection of oral histories of the American experience as related by multiethnic immigrants.
12.
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ORSI, Robert Anthony.
The Madonna of 115th Street
. New Haven. Yale University, 1985.
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A study of the faith and community in Italian Harlem during the period of 18801950.
13.
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PUZO, Mario.
The Fortunate Pilgrim
. New York Bantam Books, 1964.
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A novel depicting the life of an immigrant Italian family in the lower East Side of New York from the 1920’s through W.W.II.
14.
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RODRIGUEZ, Richard.
Hunger of Memory
. New York: Bantam Books, 1982.
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An autobiographical work describing the difficult journey toward education of a minority student.
15.
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ROSOLl, Gianfausto.
Un Secolo di Emi
g
razione Italiana
,
18761976
. Roma: Centro Studi Emigrazione, 1978.
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An Italian collection of essays on the Italian Emigration between 1876 and 1976.
16.
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TAYLOR, Philip.
The Distant Magnet
. New York: Harper & Row, 1971.
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A Study of the hardships and rigours faced by the 35 million people that emigrated from Europe to the United States during the years 1830 to 1930.
17.
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THOMAS, Piri.
Down These Mean Streets
. New York: Vintage Books, 1967.
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An autobiography of a young Puerto Rican growing up in the “mean streets” of Harlem.
18.
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YEZIERSKA, Anzia.
Bread Givers
. New York: Persea Books, 1925.
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A powerful novel of the struggle between the oldworld Jewish father, and the newworld daughter.