Packing the Past Slides Arrival
Approved
1900
ELLIS ISLAND
Packing the Past
What would you take on a journey to a new world?
The Big Question
Imagine you have to leave your home and move to a brand new country thousands of miles away.
You can only take one suitcase .
It must be small enough for you to carry.
You might never see your old home again.
You need things to help you start your new life.
Historical Treasures
Memories
Photographs, letters, and small keepsakes to remember family.
Tools
Sewing needles, small hammers, or books to help find a job.
Essentials
The best clothes they owned and maybe a warm blanket.
The Voyager Challenge
1
Choose 5 Items
Think carefully! Which 5 things are the most important to you?
2
Draw Them
Draw your suitcase and fill it with your 5 chosen items.
3
Explain Why
Write why each item is coming with you on the second page.
Substitute Journey Guide Packing the Past Guide
Substitute Teacher Lesson Plan • CKLA Unit 11
Timing 60-75 min
Objectives
Identify 5 essential items for an immigration journey and write a 3+ sentence reflection expressing the emotional impact of leaving one's home country.
Materials
"Packing the Past" Slides
"Suitcase Essentials" Worksheet (3 Pages)
Crayons & Pencils
Activity Procedure
1
Introduction (10 min)
Present the slides. Focus on the choice of only 5 items. Ask: "What item represents 'home' to you?"
2
Guided Brainstorm (5 min)
Remind students that space is limited. Encourage historical context (no electronics).
3
Drawing Phase (20 min)
Students draw their items inside the suitcase (Page 1). If finished early, they decorate the tag.
4
List & Justify (15 min)
Students list items and write 1-2 complete sentences for each on Page 2.
5
Reflection Writing (15 min)
Students complete Page 3. Remind them to write 3 or more sentences about how they would feel leaving their home.
Discussion Prompts
• Which item was the hardest to choose?
• How would you feel carrying this for 3 weeks?
Pro-Tips
Use a gallery walk at the very end (5 min) for students to share their suitcases.
Suitcase Essentials Worksheet Name:
Date:
My Voyager Suitcase
Draw your 5 essential items inside!
Imagine you are moving to a new country and can only carry one suitcase . Draw the 5 things you will bring inside the suitcase below. Make them clear and detailed!
Passenger Name:
Name:
My Packing List
List the 5 items you drew and explain why you chose each one.
1
Item:
2
Item:
3
Item:
4
Item:
5
Item:
Name:
Journey Reflection
The Big Choice:
Imagine you have to leave your home and move to a brand new country. How would you feel? Why would you feel that way?
Requirement: Write 3 or more complete sentences.
Use your best handwriting!
