Create Venn diagrams identifying the differences and similarities in the immigration experiences of the subjects of the Times article. Interview immigrants to explore how immigration to America has affected them. This lesson plan focuses on issues related to race. Because the topic of race is often incendiary, teachers should be particularly mindful in guiding the lesson. Additionally, teachers should be prepared for students coming across extremely derogatory racial terms in the article that may be upsetting or confusing.
Students then share their responses.
You may want to share the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary's definition of these terms. Divide students into small groups of three or four students, and give each group a piece of poster board, construction paper or butcher paper and at least one marker. Explain to students that they will be working in their groups to identify the differences and similarities in Achmed's and Joel's immigration experiences. Explain to students that they should copy this Venn diagram on their paper, as large as they can. Shared experiences should be noted in the overlapping area.