Second Grade History: Immigration and Citizenship

Our first Core Knowledge unit in the fall is "Immigration and Citizenship."  We will explore when our families arrived in America, where they came from before, and how the United States is a melting pot, mosaic, or other similar apt metaphor. 

Your second grader will be creating a poster about the heritage of one branch of your family tree to present to the class.  This is my opportunity to get to know my new students and their families better.  As you visit extended family and hometowns this summer, please look for opportunities for your second grader to:

• Hear about stories from the "Olden Days":  stories about what life was like when grandparents were little, "famous" family stories, stories of immigration, emigration, and adventure.  Oral histories are important!
• See a family tree and hear names and stories they may not know about on the family tree.
• See a family crest, family tartan, traditional clothing, etc.
• Eat traditional food from one branch's home country.

As you travel, look for exhibits and opportunities to learn about the experiences of various immigrant groups.  If you are in California, go to Angel Island; if you are in New York, view the Statue of Liberty from a ferry or visit Ellis Island; if you are in the Southwest, learn about the various recent immigrant experiences; if you are downtown, learn about the contributions of Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans by visiting the Nikkei Legacy Center, walk around Chinatown and Oldtown and view the various sculptures and plaques commemorating the Chinese immigrant experience in Portland.

 Core Knowledge objectives (AND MORE!):

• America perceived as a “land of opportunity”

• The meaning of “e pluribus unum” (a national motto you can see on the back of coins)

• Ellis Island and the significance of the Statue of Liberty

• Millions of newcomers to America

Large populations of immigrants settle in major cities (such as New York, Chicago,

Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, Boston, San Francisco)

• The idea of citizenship

What it means to be a citizen of a nation

American citizens have certain rights and responsibilities (for example, voting, eligible

to hold public office, paying taxes)

Becoming an American citizen (by birth, naturalization)

• Recognize and become familiar with the significance of

U. S. flag: current and earlier versions

Statue of Liberty

Lincoln Memorial