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English 7 Historical Fiction: Migration Stories: Home

The history of the United States of America is full of movement - especially the movement of people into, throughout, and out of the country. The nation's character, history, and cultures have all been shaped by the different groups of people that have migrated to the U.S.A. at very different times and under varied circumstances. This project explores this complex history by exploring how it felt to migrate to the United States, whether by choice or by force, for individuals from a variety of nations, ethnic groups, cultures, and situations. 

Objective: Students will use research to write a short piece of historical fiction.

Final Products: 1.) A 2 page piece of historical fiction with in-text citations 2.) A bibliography that cites all your sources. 

Schedule

Day 1

  • Practice research skills, citation, and notetaking. 
  • Receive topic assignments.
  • Learn how to use Noodle Tools, create a Noodle Tools account, and start new Noodle Tools project.

HOMEWORK - Complete your pre-flection & research question brainstorming sheet.

Day 2

  • Research focus: why and how your subject left his/her place of origin.
  • Create five note cards in Noodle Tools.

HOMEWORK - Continue your research. 

Day 3

  • Research focus: your subject's journey and his/her first impressions of USA.
  • Create five note cards in Noodle Tools.

​HOMEWORK - Continue your research. 

Day 4

  • Research focus: how your subject creates a new life in the USA.
  • Create five note cards in Noodle Tools.  

​HOMEWORK - Finish your research. 

Day 5

  • Outline your subject's story

HOMEWORK - Finish your outline.

Day 6

  • Write your subject's story.

​HOMEWORK - Polish & print your writing.

Project due November 25

What Do I Need To Find?

Your historical fiction will be based on research using at least 2 print and 2 online sources that discuss and depict migration experiences.

You will need to address some of the following questions in your research.

  • Who decided you would move here? Did you want to leave your homeland? 
  • Why did you leave your homeland?
  • What were the conditions in your homeland when you left?
  • Did you choose to come to the United States? If so, why did you choose the United States? Why not some other place?
  • How did others in your homeland treat you when they knew that you were leaving?
  • How many others left your homeland about the time when you did?
  • When you left, how old were you?
  • How did you prepare for your trip?
  • Who came with you? Whom did you leave behind?
  • How did you travel? What stops did you make along your journey?
  • What changes in lifestyle did you make to adjust to your new home?
  • What was your first impression of the United States? Has this initial impression changed over time?
  • What are some of the differences/similarities you’ve noticed in the cultures here and in your homeland?