Neil Diamond Sums It Up: COMING TO AMERICA
Immigration is a very important part of our history and there is no better place to view this than Ellis Island. Coming to America for a variety of reasons, immigrants from Europe got their first glimpse of America through Ellis Island. Getting on the ferry and traveling to Ellis Island and seeing Lady Liberty was something I have been looking forward to. Imagining what the immigrants went through as they were entering the harbor is impossible. Their tribulations are something one cannot experience, but going to see this historical place and seeing the inside was truly remarkable. Visiting a place where twenty million Americans came over for what they saw as a better life was an experience that will always be remembered.
The tour we took was not going to be to the main hall where everybody was processed, but to the medical area. This was very interesting to see because it is closed to the general public. The area consists of thirty buildings that were used as medical facilities during immigration. Jessica our tour guide gave us a lesson that used primary sources from the Island and presented information from a new perspective that will help me in the classroom. Anytime you can learn something that will help in the classroom is always a good thing. Our first activity was a great activity that I will definitely use in the classroom for many lessons. The lesson was a three-step process that included an object,document and photograph. Step one was to look at objects and decide what they were and what they were used for. Step two was to review a document that went with your objects. Last step was to review a photograph that put the object to use. Once we were able to see the object in action, it was cool to see what it was actually used for. Our group had objects that were used by Social Services in order to help those that were stuck on the island for weeks due to illness. The service provided arts/crafts, books, activities, skills and food. Jessica also mentioned that over 90% of the photos we see at Ellis Island are staged photos. This was something that was new to me, but when one studies the pictures there are clues to back up her point.
The ward that we toured, which is in its original state (notice the hard hats due to construction) included; medical inspectors, psych, surgery, pharmacists, social services and contagious unit. This is something we do not see on the Ellis Island website so it is something new we can bring back to our students along with the wonderful thumb drive that includes tons of primary sources.
After the tour we got to see the public displays. The wall with names of those who came through the island was cool. Trying to find names of family members on the wall was something I looked forward to. There were many Italian names I recognized like Scaturro and Chiarito, but only a few Burkes which is my ancestry.
After the Ellis Island experience we set sail to see the Statue of Liberty. The sight was amazing nad something all Americans should see up close. Unfortunately were not able to climb the statue, but seeing her beauty was something special.
With all the primary documents we received and the new information from the tour, it will be exciting to teach this unit to my high school students. Analyzing and getting them to use higher order thinking skills is something as educators we strive to do.
Dinner was down by the Brooklyn Bridge where we eat more pizza. The taste was good but not quite like Lombardi’s. Our goal was to eat at Grimaldi’s Pizza, but the line was down the street and Ray was thirsty.
0 Responses to “COMING TO AMERICA”