Sea Cliff Fourth Graders Immigration Study   

Sea Cliff Immigration Day   

In June 2018, the fourth graders of Sea Cliff school celebrated Immigration Day culminating weeks of the Immigration unit of study. To prepare for the Immigration Day, each child researched a specific country of people who emigrated to the U.S in the early 1900s.

On Immigration Day, Sea Cliff classrooms were transformed into Ellis Island. The fourth graders became Immigrants - dressed in authentic clothing, carrying their personal belongings in suitcases, and displaying forms of identification from their country of origin.  Our students experienced a small taste of what it would have been like entering America through Ellis Island!

Each student had to answer questions including “Who was the first president of the United States?,” recite the Pledge of Allegiance, present identification papers, and participate in a medical exam. On Immigration Day, stations were set up in each classroom to replicate what immigrants had to experience in the early 1900’s. Upon entry into the United States, these included an Inspection Station, an Interview Station, a Medical Station, a Detainee Station, and a Final Inspection Station.

Thank you to all of the fourth grade teachers, students, and parents who participated in this authentic, hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experience.

Article provided by Ms.Audra Boyle, Sea Cliff fourth grade teachers. Photos by Shelly Newman