East Hill "emigrants" pack for the journey

Imagine that your parents announced that your family was moving—not just to a new house or a new town, but to a new country! And because space would be limited on the ship that would take you to your new home, you could only pack five items. What would you take?

That was the question that fourth grade teacher Mrs. Nare asked her students. As part of their social studies unit, Mrs. Nare assigned each student to pretend that they were emigrants and to pack five items in a pillowcase—similar to the simple sacks that so many immigrants used to carry their personal effects in the early 1900's.

The class gathered on the front steps of East Hill School to display their "luggage" and then head out for a trip around the block. Items ranged from food (like an entire loaf of Italian bread) and favorite articles of clothing to stuffed animals and electronic devices.

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