![Grade 2 Steps Into History Through Ellis Island Simulation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777558663/chicagojewishdayschoolorg/by9sv5p3pvsrl5kyu3ig/DSC_8331.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777558663/chicagojewishdayschoolorg/by9sv5p3pvsrl5kyu3ig/DSC_8331.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777558663/chicagojewishdayschoolorg/by9sv5p3pvsrl5kyu3ig/DSC_8331.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777558663/chicagojewishdayschoolorg/by9sv5p3pvsrl5kyu3ig/DSC_8331.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1777558663/chicagojewishdayschoolorg/by9sv5p3pvsrl5kyu3ig/DSC_8331.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1777558663/chicagojewishdayschoolorg/by9sv5p3pvsrl5kyu3ig/DSC_8331.jpg","width":2200}])
- Experiential Learning
- Humanities
- Judaic Studies
- Lower School
On Tuesday morning, Grade 2 students and their families traveled back in time to Ellis Island for an immersive simulation experience. Over the past few weeks, students have taken a deep dive with General Studies Teachers Sara Bellick and Sara Margolis into the topic of immigration, specifically through the lens of Jewish immigrants who traveled through Ellis Island, the reasons they came to the United States, and their own family stories. In Judaic Studies and Hebrew, teachers Penina Berdugo and Nadine Linton connected this learning to the creation of the modern State of Israel and major waves of aliyah from Poland, Morocco, and Ethiopia.
To prepare for the experience, students created suitcases and stepped into character roles to better understand the immigrant journey. Their day began with Tefilat Haderech (Traveler’s Prayer), followed by medical, legal, literacy, baggage, and customs screenings. Once “arriving” in America, students participated in activities with their families before concluding with Shehecheyanu and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Todah rabah to our Grade 2 families for joining this meaningful experience. In the coming weeks, students will continue their study of immigration by exploring modern-day immigration experiences and visiting the Swedish Museum.
