Dist. 33 simulates Ellis Island immigration experience for West Chicago students

Ellis Island, the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States, opened more than 100 years ago. At the time, it was considered the busiest immigration inspection station in the United States.

So, how can you teach seventh-graders what it was like for the millions immigrating here so many years ago?

Karen Botkin, seventh-grade social studies teacher at Leman Middle School in West Chicago Elementary District 33, has been bringing the experience back to life for the past 15 years through an Ellis Island Simulation.

Students dressed in character as immigrants circa 1900 and disembarked in New York (the school library).

Complete with new identities, the students went through stations where they were processed by teachers, administrators, para-educators, parents, student teachers, former students, retired teachers, and others acting as "inspectors." Stations included background, health, vocation and character.

"It is a lot of fun and, as an inspector, you can really be playful with these students," Botkin said. "You see students in a different light as they try to convince you that they belong in our country."