Educational Curriculum

Teaching a new generation of children about the LES

The Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy designed an innovative educational program for third to sixth grade students. “A Day in the Life of an Immigrant Child” is interdisciplinary and interactive. The program, underwritten by a major grant from the United States Department of Education, is geared to coincide with the mandated study of immigration.

Throughout the program, primary sources such as maps, historic photographs and other documents complement onsite learning. “A Day in the Life of an Immigrant Child” leads students on a journey back in time as they experience the life of an immigrant child on the Lower East Side during the peak years of Jewish immigration to this country. The program spans the late 1800s to 1930. It incorporates strategies to engage students with various learning styles, emphasizing inquiry and utilizing all five senses.

The program was designed to align with Learning Standards in the humanities, literacy, and math while building an awareness of history and visual literacy. It can be customized to meet specific curricular needs.

“A Day in the Life of an Immigrant Child” consists of three parts: pre-visit, onsite tour, and post-visit. Before students visit the Lower East Side, classroom teachers will be provided with pre-visit materials. The focal point of the program is the Lower East Side touring experience. Students will visit sites central to the daily life of immigrant children during the peak years of immigration to the Lower East Side. After their visit, they will complete a culminating project in their classroom to bring to life the concepts they explored on their tour of the Lower East Side.

The program was developed by two experienced educators: Rena Sichel Rosen and Joyce Mendelsohn.  Rena has been teaching children and adults about architecture and neighborhood history since 2001. She earned an M.S. in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. Most recently, she developed an architecture and preservation education program that is used in Upper West Side public schools serving more than 1,000 students annually.  Joyce, a former New York City Public School teacher, is an acclaimed historian and author.

The Conservancy began working with teachers in the spring of 2009.  We are offering this program free of charge.  Classroom visits can be arranged. “A Day in the Life of an Immigrant Child” provides educators and students with a unique teaching and learning opportunity.

Recently we recived many thanks from children who have participated in the “A Day in the Life of an Immigrant Child” program. Click on the images below to view them closer.

The contents of this website section were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.