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Imagine having to leave behind nearly everything in order to flee a dangerous area. Your family pictures. Favorite Items. Your entire home. Now, you have to start over in a brand new place. Unfortunately, this is the reality that happens to so many refugees. However, hopes and dreams can help people overcome the hardships and difficulties faced on this intense journey. The Dreamers Picture Book Unit is a perfect way to embed identity and immigrants with key standards!
When Yuyi came to the United States in 1994 with her infant son, they had to leave everything behind. However, Yuyi knew she did not come empty-handed. Instead, she carried her resilience, dreams, hopes, and history. Instead of feeling defeated, Yuyi used her strengths to navigate through a dark time. With her family and resiliency, Yuyi celebrated making a home with what she carried in her two hands.
In order to learn about immigrants, refugees, and unbreakable courage, this picture book unit is filled with incredible activities! Additionally, it is the perfect read-aloud to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage month.
Comprehension: The meaning of developing identity is so important in this book. However, in order for students to truly understand that, they need to understand the book and what is going on. Thus, there are so many activities that will help build comprehension. For instance, there are discussion questions for students to answer. Additionally, there is a Venn diagram where students will compare and contrast themselves. There is even an activity where students will realize how hard it had to be for the main character to put anything she needed to take in a backpack. Then, students will do the same activity to see how tough this would be. To help practice inferences, there is even a fun game included! Even better, these are only some of the activities! The unit is filled with tons of ways to improve comprehension.
Writing: It is so important to provide time for students to reflect. Therefore, there are different prompts to help them do this. For instance, students will be able to talk about a time they showed courage. Thus, students will be able to build a connection with the courage that Yuyi had to hold.
Character Education: It is essential that students understand the importance of love and courage. Thus, there are several activities to help show the importance of being a kind, positive person. To do this, students will learn about different languages, how to stop bullying, and ways to be courageous.
Grammar: Grammar built into units is such a strong way to practice versus grammar in isolation. Hence, there are great activities to practice abstract versus concrete nouns.
Vocabulary: In order to learn new words, there is a vocabulary list provided. To truly help students learn them, there are hands-on activities. For instance, students will have fun playing Draw It, Guess It! and creating a flipbook.
As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, it is important to help students understand what this means. Additionally, it is vital for students to realize that not everyone has the comfort of living in a safe space. Therefore, teaching about immigrants and refugees is a strong way to show students what happens in the world. The Dreamers Picture Book Unit provides an age-appropriate way to learn about different experiences.
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