Hi Room 205 Families,

We are starting a year-long unit on the study of immigration. Immigration is central to the identity
of the U.S. as a nation, and to the history of its citizens. For some people, the history of their
ancestors immigration to the U.S. is ancient. For others, the history is almost immediate they
are immigrants themselves. Between these two extremes lie many variations. Some families
know which generation of their ancestors immigrated and from which country(ies). Other
families have lost the knowledge or records of their past and dont know when or from where
their ancestors came to the U.S.
This immigration unit invites children to learn their ancestors native countries of origin. This
activity also has the potential to engage and excite students as they learn about their family
connections to a wider world and their own connections to the immigrant experience.
Studying immigration provides an excellent natural context for children to be introduced to the
incredible diversity of ethnicity and cultures in the U.S., and for children to imagine a nation of
people coming together, all sharing the common experience of migration, albeit from different
places. Through this unit we will emphasize the importance of diversity in the U.S., and allow us
to celebrate diversity within our own class. We will talk about how amazing it is that we all come
from many different places, but now were all together in Chicago, playing on the same
playground, coloring and reading and learning together. This ongoing celebration of our
uniqueness together can create unity and friendship.
I encourage you to talk to your children about your family history. As we progress through this
unit, we will be talking about specific topics that relate to immigration. For example, our
introductory discussion today focused on the reasons people might immigrate and we also
touched briefly on the process of immigration at Ellis Island. If you have interesting stories youd
like to share, I would love to have you come in and speak to us. Any other resources,
suggestions or artifacts you may have are welcome as well!
Thanks, and as always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me should you have any
questions.
Best,
Ms. Zuehlke