Challenges and Resilience: An Immigrant's Journey

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Challenges and Resilience: An Immigrant's Journey

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the initial challenges faced by immigrants upon arrival in a new country. At the end of the lesson, you will recognize the importance of family support and the sacrifices made by immigrants. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the barriers to education that immigrant students often encounter. At the end of the lesson, you will appreciate the role of mentors in helping immigrant students realize their potential. At the end of the lesson, you will comprehend the social issues of bullying and the development of friendships in a multicultural setting. At the end of the lesson, you will grasp the concept of keeping up appearances and the reasons behind it.

What do you already know about the challenges faced by immigrants in a new country?

Ch 1: Immigration and Initial Challenges

Kimberly and her mother arrive in New York from Hong Kong. Facing the stark reality of a rundown Brooklyn apartment and the daunting task of adapting to a new life in America.

Have you ever lived (or wanted to live) anywhere else? What was that like, or what do you imagine it would be like?

Ch 2: Living Conditions in Aunt Paula's Apartment

The living conditions in the apartment are challenging, highlighting the initial struggles faced by immigrants in a new country.

What elements make a place unlivable?

Ch 3: Adaptation and Struggles in the American School System

Kimberly overcomes language barriers and cultural differences. Her intelligence and aptitude for math are recognized by her teacher, Miss Sanders.

Have you been on vacation and noticed something really different about how people live? What was it?

Ch 4: Labor Exploitation in the Garment Factory

Kimberly and her mother work in a clothing factory, enduring grueling conditions for meager pay, reflecting the challenges of immigrant labor.

Where have you heard of child labour or slavery being used in the modern world?

Ch 5: Educational Support and Recognition of Talents

Miss Sanders provides educational support and recognizes Kimberly's talents, illustrating the importance of mentorship for immigrant students.

Was there a time you either received mentorship or thought you would have benefited from mentorship to develop a talent of yours? What happened (or didn't happen)? Write 100 words.

Ch 6: Social Dynamics: Bullying and Friendship

Kimberly faces bullying and develops friendships, showcasing the social dynamics experienced by immigrant students in a multicultural setting.

From the story so far, who could you see yourselves being friends with? Why (or why not)? Write 2-3 sentences to argue your choice.

Share and compare your character choices with a partner

Ch 7: Cultural Expectations and Family Secrets

Kimberly and her mother face the pressure of keeping their hardships hidden from relatives back home, highlighting the concept of keeping up appearances and family secrets.

What are some of the cultural expectations Kimberly faces, either from her US or Chinese backgrounds? Which do you also face?

Key Definitions

Immigration: The action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country. Language Barrier: A barrier to communication caused by speaking different languages. Bullying: Use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others in a school setting. Mentorship: The guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution. Cultural Differences: The variations in the way of life, traditions, and laws between different countries, religions, societies, and people. Garment Factory Labor: Work related to the production of clothing, often characterized by long hours and low wages. Family Secrets: Information that is kept hidden from certain family members and outsiders.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.