Ellis Island Immigration Role Play

This fun role-play activity is great for teaching children about immigration through Ellis Island during the Progressive Era (1900-1915). It's a project-based learning activity where students cut out different items to add to their luggage. They will be prompted to make tough decisions along the way similar to those real immigrants had to make. They will start by cutting out an inspection card and learn about what it was like to immigrate through Ellis Island, then be prompted to add items like food, clothing, and much more. There are 9 steps in total, each step including a paragraph teaching them about the Progressive Era.

This activity is meant to honor everyone's story in a thoughtful way, while staying free of political opinions.

Homeschool or Classroom use.

*This is a single worksheet from our Stories in History- Modern American History full year curriculum. Check out our other worksheets and curricula here.