Exploring Immigration, Policy and Empathy
Share My Lesson has developed a rich collection of immigration lesson plans and resources to foster awareness, understanding, and empathy for one of today’s most urgent issues: immigration. From the ongoing crisis at the border to the deep-rooted history of U.S. immigration policy, these materials equip educators with tools to engage PreK-12 students.
The situation at the border is not new but echoes past waves of fear and prejudice. Throughout U.S. history, immigrants have been wrongfully blamed for spreading disease and causing societal harm. In the 19th century, Irish immigrants were falsely accused of bringing cholera, labeled the "Irish disease." Similarly, in the 1880s, Chinese immigrants were unfairly linked to smallpox and plague outbreaks, which fueled racist sentiment and led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. These harmful stereotypes shaped immigration policies then—and continue to influence public attitudes today.
This collection offers a wide range of resources, including lesson plans, blogs, and professional development webinars, to help students understand the complexities of immigration policy and its impact. Whether discussing U.S. immigration laws, examining migration’s history, or analyzing current events, these materials offer age-appropriate content that connects past injustices to present challenges.
The resources also focus on building inclusive classrooms by promoting equity and combating prejudice. They create a space for students to engage with difficult topics like xenophobia, cultural identity, and human rights, encouraging empathy and cooperation. Through these lessons, educators can foster critical thinking and help students develop a global perspective.
Explore these resources to inspire your students to confront historical injustices and engage thoughtfully with immigration today, promoting justice, equity, and inclusion in every classroom.
