If+Your+Name+Changed+at+Ellis+Island+Reinforcing+Activity

First, introduce the book by showing the cover page and title. Ask the students if they have ever heard of Ellis Island, and lead a discussion for a few minutes.

Then read aloud, If Your Name Changed at Ellis Island.

Next, ask the students to share what they now know about Ellis Island.

Then ask the students to take out a sheet of notebook paper and create a T chart. A T chart is a graphic organizer in which students list and examine two facets of a topic, such as the pros and cons associated with it, advantages and disadvantages, or facts vs. opinions.

On one side, they will put the facts that they learned from the book about 19th century immigration through Ellis Island. On the other side of the chart, they will put facts or any knowledge or thoughts that they know about immigration today.

Finally, after 5-6 minutes. Ask the students to share their facts about the 19th century immigration and their thoughts or knowledge they wrote down for information on the current state of immigration.

On the board, take these thoughts and create a class T Chart to allow all the students to see and take note of the different facts and thoughts provided by their peers.

Other Ohio Academic Social Studies Standards that Apply: Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities, History.