homeschool experience we had a few days ago.
I told the boys that our upcoming history card was on Immigration to America and Ellis Island. I mentioned that we would be reading about Ellis Island and watching a History Channel documentary about Ellis Island. They were completely nonplussed. Exasperated, I told them that this should be important to them because they actually knew AND were related to an Ellis Island immigrant.
They perked up just a bit to ask who.
Why, your Papi came through Ellis Island when he was only a child I told them. Now I had their interest.
So, on our Ellis Island day we read about it, we worked through some narration and questions and then, we watched the documentary (very good by the way). But the highlight was skyping with Papi and seeing the boys interview him about his experiences.
All sorts of questions: what was the boat like? what did you eat? what did you play? was it cold? did you get seasick? were you scared? what were the buildings like? and so on.
I think my Dad was pleased as well, getting to be a part of their living history. I was pleased to see living history meet with present making history. I think it's a lesson they will always remember.
That's very cool. How fun that their Papi is still alive and they could interview him!
ReplyDeleteMy Mother, Father, and oldest sister came through Ellis Island, too, when they immigrated to the U.S. shortly after WWII.