You will begin by working with a partner
to search for the answer to "What were the Orphan Trains?" You will
complete a questionnaire that will guide you in
understanding this time in America's history. Each of you will need to
print a copy of the questionnaire, and work together to complete them. Use
the following websites and books to help you.
Websites:
American Experience: The Orphan Trains
Riders on the Orphan Trains to Kansas
Books:
We Are a Part of History: The Story of the Orphan Trains by: Michael Patrick, Evelyn Sheets, Evelyn Trickel
The Orphan Trains by: Annette Fry
The Orphan Trains: Placing Out in America by: Marilyn Irvin Holt
Train to Somewhere by: Eve Bunting
Orphan Train Rider by: Andrea Warren
When you complete the questionnaire, keep it in your journal to refer back to as you complete the remaining tasks.
After
completing that task, we will begin reading A Family Apart by Joan Lowery Nixon.
I will read a chapter to you each day. After I have finished reading
chapter one, you will decide which character you want to be. When you make
your choice, you won't know what will happen to them throughout the book. You
will begin writing in you journal telling such things as: what your are seeing,
and people you meet on your journey, how you're are feeling, your fears about
leaving what you have known your entire life. You will have thirteen
journal entries when your journey is complete.
After finishing the book, you will again work with
your partner to create a diorama of one scene from the book. Click here to
learn more about
how to make a diorama.