A pdf version of this activity guide can be downloaded at the bottom of the page. En español.
Materials needed:
- Ahead of time, familiarize yourself with the issues covered in this activity guide by
reading the materials found at www.webelongtogether.org/wish/the-issues. - Max’s and Daisy’s stories
- Drawing materials
- Optional: Letter to send home to parents, explaining this activity
Activity
1) Introduction
I want you to think about when you were a baby for a minute. Do you know where you were born? Here in our room, some people were born in __________(name your state), some people were born in other places, and some people were born in other countries. (If you know the countries, list them to validate the stories of the children in the room.) Think about where you were born. Were you born here, ___________, or somewhere else? What about your brothers and sisters?
Right now, in some cities and towns, grown-ups have decided that if you were not born here and you do not have special papers called immigration papers, that you need to leave your home and go back to where you were born. This means that sometimes mommies and daddies have to leave their families very quickly.
I want you to hear a story about Max (or Daisy) and think about how you might be feeling if you were in their shoes.
2) Read one of the stories below: Max’s and Daisy’s Stories
Daisy's Story
Have you ever had a nightmare that you get separated from your parents and can't find them? That really happened to me. My name is Daisy. I am nine years old and my sister is 13. One day when I came home from school, my aunt and sister were crying, but our parents weren't there. They were sent back to Mexico. That is were they were born. I don't know why they left me. I don't know who sent them back to Mexico or why. I wish that someone could explain it to me, but when I ask, no one can. Now my sister takes care of me, but I miss my parents. When are they coming home? When am I going to see them again?
Max’s Story
My name is Max and I am in first grade. Antonio is my best friend. We eat lunch, do the
monkey bars and play soccer. Antonio has stopped coming to school. I’m sad. My mom
said it’s because his mom is scared. Antonio’s mom heard that she might be taken away
and then she won’t see Antonio for a long time. Antonio's mom wasn't born here. Some
people think that people who weren’t born here need to leave their families and go back to
where they were born. I miss Antonio. I’m scared about him being without his mom.
3) Discussion questions
- How do these stories make you feel? Why?
- Think about your own family. Why is it important to have a family?
- What do you like to do with your family?
4) Drawings and text
Ask children to draw a picture of something they like to do with their families.
Older children can write a sentence or two about their picture, such as: “This is my family and me at the playground.” Younger children can dictate an explanation of their drawing to you.
After their text, please include the message: “Children whose parents are deported don’t have this opportunity. My wish is for all families to be together.”
5) Add on names and ages
Ask children to write their first names and ages on the front of their drawings.
6) Sending in letters
See “Get Involved” in the sidebar for information on how to mail in children’ letters.
