Classroom Simulations

Tomorrow my darling little sixth graders will be doing an immigration simulation. They had to draw identities out of a hat and after going thr0ugh a mock Ellis Island, 50% will be accepted into America, and half will be deported. The ones who arrive in “America” (another teacher’s classroom) will get a feast of all-American foods and will take a mock citizenship test. The deportees will argue their case before an appeals judge and some will be able to get in from there, while others will have to stay behind. Should be lots of fun. I love doing activities like this, but the mental preparation is a complete headache. I coordinate the parent volunteers, train some of the students to be Ellis Island officials, and try to make sure it all runs smoothly. It should work out and I know they’ll love it. It’s fun to see the excitement on their faces, and they also get to dress up as their characters. :crazyjumping:

By the way, if any of you have middle school students who need any U.S. History resources, this is a link to my classroom page (under my married name). There are some practice pages and Jeopardy games they can play. Those of you who are teachers, feel free to use any of the stuff that’s helpful to you.

We also do a Ford Assembly line where they draw automobiles, a WWII Boot Camp through their P.E. classes and a 1950’s sock hop where they learn to jitterbug, play jacks/marbles, watch 1950’s ads and eat at the Ice Cream Soda Shoppe, and watch an episode of “I Love Lucy.” History can be so much fun in the classroom if you find the right activities.

Think back to when you were in school. Do you remember a fun activity you did or a teacher who inspired you?

P.S.: My Dot Moms post is up.