February/March 2007

A fun magazine for kids!

A Moving Experience: Immigration to Kansas

What does it mean to immigrate? It is the process of permanently moving to a new country.

For Parents and Teachers:

This issue explores why people immigrate. We highlight Kansas' diverse heritage, from its early settlers to today's children who carry on traditions brought here by other generations. This issue meets the following state standards: fourth grade Kansas history: Benchmark 1, Indicator 1: Student compares various reasons several immigrant groups settled in Kansas; and Benchmark 1, Indicator 2: Student explains the economic and cultural contributions made by immigrant groups to Kansas. Fourth grade economics: Benchmark 5, Indicator 2: Student analyzes the costs and benefit of making a choice.

The American Dream

The United States is a nation of immigrants. These are people from other places in the world who decide to make America their home.

Coming to Kansas

By the time Kansas became a state in 1861, the population was more than 100,000 people. Most came from eastern states such as Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois.

A Growing Population

Between 1860 and 1890 the U.S. population and the Kansas population increased dramatically.

Gateway to America

In the 1800s millions of immigrants came to the United States aboard ships. They arrived at major seaport cities hoping to start new lives here.

The First Immigrant

Annie Moore, a 15-year-old Irish girl, entered America as the very first immigrant to arrive at Ellis Island. She came with her two brothers.

Germans in Kansas

By the 1800s Germans formed the largest immigrant group to settle in Kansas. They came from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

A Tradition Continues

Daniel Schwerdt is a fourth grader in Topeka. His German ancestors immigrated from Russia to the U.S. many, many years ago.

One Family, Many Languages

The Pettinella children have a front row seat when learning about their German and Italian history. Their parents immigrated to the United States from Germany just thirteen years ago.

The Irish in Kansas

In 1870 most new immigrants came from the British Isles (England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland). Many were Irish.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Irish community in Topeka celebrates St. Patrick's Day every year with a parade. The day's activities begin with a community breakfast.

Asians in America

In the past most immigrants to Kansas came from Europe. Today there is a growing population of Asian immigrants. Asia is the largest continent in the world.

In This Issue:

Teacher Supplement