| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | Immigrants coming to Kansas after the Civil War |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Welcome, class! Before we dive into today's lesson on immigrants coming to Kansas after the Civil War, I want you to take a moment to close your eyes and imagine something.
Imagine This:
You are standing at a bustling train station in the late 1860s. The air is thick with excitement, the smell of coal smoke, and the chatter of families saying goodbye. In your hand, you have a one-way ticket stamped with the words "Kansas." Why are you heading there? Maybe it's because you’re seeking a fresh start after the turmoil of the Civil War. Maybe it’s the promise of land, of opportunity, of a life where you can work hard and build something for your family.
Now, let’s make this experience a bit more interactive! I’m going to hand out pieces of paper that resemble train tickets, but with a twist. Each ticket will represent a different immigrant background, complete with a name, a reason for moving, and a destination in Kansas.
Ticket Distribution: I’ll pass out a ticket to each of you. Look closely at the name and the situation on your ticket.
Group Discussion: Once everyone has their ticket, we will break into small groups. Share your ticket story with your group and discuss:
Share Back: After discussions, we will gather and share some of your insights with the whole class.
After our activity, we’ll transition into examining the historical context of immigration to Kansas in the years following the Civil War. We’ll explore the various groups that moved there, the reasons behind their migration, and their impact on the state’s development.
This will include an analysis of different immigrant stories and how they contributed to the rich tapestry of Kansas's history. Let’s embark on this journey together and uncover the stories behind those train tickets!