Sixth grade students in Tammy Kirwin and Alexandra Omecinsky’s ELA class were treated to some very special visitors last week – Natalia Multunas, Helen Koshykar, Helen Omecinsky (aged 92) and Eija Rougle.

What do all of these visitors have in common? They are immigrants. The special guests were invited to share their experiences in a new country – the joys as well as the challenges – with the students, who are beginning research on immigration to the United States. The students will be authoring their own textbooks on the immigrant group of their choice, touching on issues such as political and geographic features of the immigrants’ homelands.

After students asked questions of the visitors, the entire group enjoyed tea and baked goods while continuing their discussions. All present agreed that the personal narratives piqued student curiosity and generated enthusiasm for the project.