Activity Overview
Throughout history, immigrants have faced many challenges in order to start a new life in a new country. Some of these remain the same even today. In this activity, students will research and explore these challenges and create a 3 cell spider map illustrating what they have learned. Teachers can choose to have students focus on historical challenges, or allow them to explore modern ones. Though this activity is meant to focus on U.S. immigration, students may also want to investigate whether these challenges are the same for all countries.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map explaining and illustrating challenges that immigrants face.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a challenge in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/challenge in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Throughout history, immigrants have faced many challenges in order to start a new life in a new country. Some of these remain the same even today. In this activity, students will research and explore these challenges and create a 3 cell spider map illustrating what they have learned. Teachers can choose to have students focus on historical challenges, or allow them to explore modern ones. Though this activity is meant to focus on U.S. immigration, students may also want to investigate whether these challenges are the same for all countries.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map explaining and illustrating challenges that immigrants face.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a challenge in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/challenge in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Challenges of Immigration
Plan a Classroom Discussion About Immigration Challenges
Encourage students to share ideas in a safe, respectful environment. A class discussion helps students connect personally to the topic and hear diverse perspectives.
Set Clear Expectations for Participation
Explain discussion guidelines such as listening respectfully, raising hands, and valuing others' opinions. Setting expectations helps foster a positive and inclusive classroom discussion.
Use Thought-Provoking Questions to Guide Conversation
Ask open-ended questions like, "What might be difficult about moving to a new country?" or "How would you feel if you had to leave your home?" Guiding questions stimulate critical thinking and empathy.
Incorporate Visual Aids and Student Work
Display students' spider maps or images depicting immigration experiences as discussion starters. Visuals make abstract challenges more concrete and relatable for all students.
Reflect and Summarize Key Takeaways Together
Invite students to share what stood out or surprised them after the discussion. Reflection helps deepen understanding and connects learning to students' own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Challenges of Immigration
What are common challenges immigrants face when moving to a new country?
Immigrants often face challenges such as language barriers, finding employment, adapting to new cultures, and accessing services like healthcare and education when they move to a new country.
How can teachers help students understand immigration challenges in the classroom?
Teachers can help students understand immigration challenges by using interactive activities, such as spider maps, encouraging research, and discussing real-life examples to build empathy and awareness.
What is a spider map activity for learning about immigration?
A spider map is a graphic organizer where students write and illustrate different challenges immigrants face in separate sections, helping them organize and visualize their learning.
Why is it important for students to learn about the experiences of immigrants?
Learning about immigrants' experiences helps students develop empathy, understand diversity, and appreciate the history and contributions of different communities.
Can the challenges faced by immigrants be different in other countries?
Yes, immigrant challenges can vary by country depending on local laws, cultures, and support systems, but many issues like language barriers and adapting to a new society are common worldwide.
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