Vernon Hills school recreates Ellis Island experience

Eighth-grade students from Hawthorn Middle School South got a hands-on lesson in immigration Friday as they played the roles of people coming to the United States through Ellis Island.

Students had to pick a European country and create a person to portray, complete with age, character flaws and even health issues. They also had to learn how to communicate with other students without speaking English.

"It's really thought provoking," Social Studies teacher Joe Stubenvoll said. "It's a real positive way to look at what immigrants go through when coming into another country."

At the end the lesson, students took a loyalty oath to enter the United States.

"It's really cool," said Ashley Vollen, who played a Russian immigrant. "I get to feel like what it's like to be in the 1900s as an immigrant."

Students also had discussions on where the immigrants go and what happens to them after entering the United States.