aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English as second
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	Immigration
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Exploring Immigration

Objective:

Today, we will delve into the complex and multifaceted topic of immigration, understanding its historical context, contemporary issues, and personal stories through the lens of English language and literature.

---

Hook: A Story in a Box

Materials Needed:

• A decorated box (can be an old shoebox)
• A selection of everyday objects (e.g., a passport, a map, a pair of shoes, a piece of traditional clothing, a photo frame, etc.)

Activity: The Unpacking of Stories

1. Introduction (5 minutes): Begin by presenting the decorated box to the class. Explain that it contains objects that represent different aspects of immigration and that each object holds a unique story.

2. Group Activity (10 minutes): Divide the class into small groups and hand the box to one group at a time. Ask them to choose one item from the box without revealing it to the rest of the class. They should spend a few minutes discussing within their groups what the object might mean in the context of immigration.

3. Sharing and Discussion (10 minutes): After each group has had time to deliberate, invite them to share their chosen object (without showing it) and their interpretation with the whole class. Prompt them with questions like:

   • What emotions does this object evoke?
   • How might it be significant to an immigrant's experience?
   • What stories could it tell about the journey of leaving one’s homeland?

Transition to Lesson:

After all groups have shared, connect their insights to the lesson’s goals. Explain that throughout today’s session, they will explore real-life stories of immigrants, discuss the challenges they face, and consider the language used in narratives about immigration. Highlight that understanding these stories is essential to gain a deeper empathy and perspective regarding immigration issues today.

---

Discussion Points for Today:

• Historical reasons for immigration: Push and pull factors
• Personal narratives vs. statistics: The human side of immigration
• Language and portrayal of immigrants in media and literature

---

Wrap-Up:

This introductory activity aims to engage students’ imaginations and personal connections to the topic. By starting with tangible objects that represent abstract concepts, students can better relate to the experiences of immigrants through storytelling.

Let’s embark on this journey together!