Borders, Belonging, and Brave Voices

Grade Level: 2-5

Time: 60 Minutes, can be modified for several class periods

Essential Question

How do immigration, identity, and friendship shape our understanding of justice and belonging?

About This Lesson

In this lesson, students will either read some excerpts from Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez or the entire book, to examine the complexities of immigration, family separation, cultural identity, and friendship. Students will participate in thoughtful discussion, reflect on personal values and cultural backgrounds, and write a creative letter from the perspective of one of the characters.