Literature: "The Orphan of Ellis Island" by Elvira Woodruff

Here are links about the book “The Orphan of Ellis Island” and author Elvira Woodruff. Includes activity suggestions from the author, as well as information about various themes in the book. Includes links to eTheme resources on the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Italy, Orphan Trains, and Historical Fiction.

Grades

• 4

Links

• Biography of Elvira Woodruff

  Here is a short biography of the author of "Orphan of Ellis Island." Click on "Booklist" to see a list of her other books.

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• Ellis Island Books

  Here is a list of many other books that also deal with Ellis Island.

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• Ellis Island Immigrants

  Scroll down the page to see a chart that lists where immigrants to the United States came from and how many. Notice that more immigrants came from Italy than anywhere else.

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• U.S. Immigration Timeline

  This PBS website provides a timeline of immigration in the United States. This site has good background information for teachers.

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• How Foster Care Works

  Read about the foster care system in the United States. There is information about the history of foster care and a comparison of foster care and orphanages. Click on "Next Page" for more information. NOTE: This site includes ads and links to sites with discussion boards.

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• National Park Service: Statue of Liberty

  This is the official Statue of Liberty web site that contains history, information, and pictures.

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• Statue of Liberty: Ellis Island Foundation

  Learn the history of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as well as Fun Facts. Includes information about the reopening of the Statue of Liberty.

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• eThemes Resource: Immigration: Ellis Island

  Find out what the immigration process was like for the 12 million people who passed through Ellis Island. There are virtual tours complete with historical photographs, audio files of immigrants discussing their experiences, and videos about the immigration process. Also includes timelines, primary documents, and simulations in which students choose a particular immigrant and then learn his/her fate.

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• eThemes Resource: Statue of Liberty

  These sites explain the history and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. Includes the statue's dimensions and many photographs, including historical photographs of it under construction. There is also a biography of the sculptor and a link to an eThemes Resource on immigration.

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• eThemes Resource: Country: Italy

  These sites introduce Italy, including its culture, traditions, maps, flags, cuisine, cars, and more.

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• eThemes Resource: Orphan Trains, 1854-1929

  Read historical accounts of the orphan trains that brought children from New York City and the East Coast to the Midwest. Includes personal accounts, photographs, and booklists. There are also photographs of New York City at the beginning of the 20th century.

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• eThemes Resource: Writing: Historical Fiction

  Learn more about the genre of historical fiction. There are definitions and listings of recommended children's books, plus lesson plans and classroom activities.

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Education Standards

• AL
  • 4.1
  • 4.2
  • 5.1
  • 5.6
• MO
  • 1
  • 1.4
  • 1.7
  • 2
  • 2
  • 3
  • 3.1
  • 4.3
  • 6
• NV
  • 2.4.1.1.b
  • 2.4.1.1.c
  • 2.4.1.1.d
  • 2.4.1.1.e
  • 2.4.2.1.d
  • 2.4.3.1.a
  • 2.4.3.1.b
  • 3.4.1.1.a
  • 3.4.1.1.b
  • 3.4.1.1.c
  • 3.4.1.1.d
  • 3.4.1.1.e
  • 3.4.1.1.f
  • 3.4.2.2
  • 6.4.4.1
  • 6.4.4.2
  • 6.4.4.3

Request State Standards

Created: August 05, 2004 at 01:02 | Updated: April 19, 2012 at 16:43