James' school had an Ellis Island Simulation day last week since they have been studying that period of history in class. The whole school was divided into groups, or "families", where the older students helped the younger. They all had to bring a box from home with any belongings that they would have brought to America. James put in his toothbrush, his Skip dog, and a monster truck.
Once in their families, they discussed what was imperative to bring on the ship, and what needed to be left behind. Then they were each given a ticket to board the "ship", which was really just taped off sections in the gymnasium. The ones with 1st class tickets were able to sit in chairs, while the rest had to sit on the floor in a tiny square space provided.
When the ship reached Ellis Island, they had to go to a medical station, baggage inspection, and go through an interview. These were set up in different classrooms where teachers and/or moms asked the questions. They took James' Skip dog away, no animals were allowed from a foreign country because of disease. After passing "inspection", they took an oath of allegiance to America. A teacher read the exact oath that was given at Ellis Island during the immigration period.
standing in line, waiting to board "the ship".
James with his "family".
Annabelle and a friend, McKenna, at the international brunch.
At the end, James came up to me and said we needed to go find Skip. I retrieved him from the classroom, and when I brought him back to James, he hugged him and asked him if he was alright.
I think it was a neat experience for the kids, just to glimpse what it might have been like for those immigrating to America during that time.
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