Part 4: Instructor-Led Learning

Gateway to The Gulf

Immigration: Port of Galveston

DIRECTIONS: Your job is to read the two texts given to you from the list (linked on p. 27) and then compare and contrast the information using the graphic organizer below. It is also suggested that you use the following reading strategy in order to help you connect your learning in a more concrete way. Be sure to use proper spelling and grammar conventions while completing your graphic organizer.

READING STRATEGY: Record your thinking using sticky notes while reading your two texts.

Here are some of the types of things you can record and some important tips to keep in mind:

• Make connections- When you read, sometimes the information connects in your mind to another story, idea, or your own experiences.
• Question it!- We all ask questions when we read… “Is this something that could happen to me?” or “Really, how is that possible?” It’s okay to ask those questions as you read… just remember to jot them down.
• Keep it short and sweet!- If you make your sticky notes too long, you won’t want to refer to them again, so keep them on the short side.
• Keeping it in mind!- Recording your thinking while reading helps in many ways. The most important thing that it does is help connect and cement the learning to what you already know. It also helps you organize your thoughts and recall details more clearly after you finish reading.

What are the titles of the two texts that you will be using to compare and contrast? Be sure to underline the title of a book (when writing the title by hand, not typing it) and using quotation marks if it is the title of a short story.

Graphic Organizer

DIRECTIONS: You may use bullet points or complete sentences to record your information, but you still are expected to use proper spelling. This section of the graphic organizer will help you answer the “compare and contrast” questions at the end of this lesson by giving you the opportunity to analyze information about the two texts in an organized way.

1. Explain the setting of the story. Be sure to share the time period in which the story takes place.
2. Main Character’s name and description (like age, interests, fears, talents, joys, etc.).
3. Who are some of the other characters present in the story?
4. Where did the main character immigrate to?
5. Where did the main character immigrate from?
6. Before leaving, how did the child feel about immigrating to another country. Please elaborate and explain your answer fully.
7. How did the main character journey to the new country? (Did they travel by ship, plane, train, automobile, by foot, or another way?)
8. Did the main character experience and hardships, setbacks, or tragedies while on their journey? If so, please explain what happened.
9. After arriving in the new country, did they face any unexpected setbacks or hardships? Be sure to explain.
10. Why do you think the author wrote the story? (What do you think the author’s main purpose was in writing the story?)
11. What was something you learned because of reading this story? Please explain your answer.
12. Would you recommend the story to other students your age? Why or why not?

General Questions

• What was a similar theme or idea that was present in both stories?
• What was one way that the stories were completely different?
• What is an idea that was formulated in your mind because of reading these two texts?

Bonus Assignment

Write a short story about a child that immigrated to the U.S. through the Port of Galveston using facts and information found while visiting Galveston and reading about its history. Be sure to incorporate your purpose for writing the story (possibly to inform, to inspire, and to entertain). Also, really think about the elements that you enjoy when reading short stories and include those elements in your writing. You may use a sheet of notebook paper to plan and write your story, or you may use a digital format.