For Educators

The Golden Door provides an educational experience on an important threshold of American history and explores the challenges of a multi-ethnic society.  The creative team has education as part of our core mission, and integrated, educational goals include:

  • consideration for the history of immigration in the United States and related issues of diversity and inclusion

  • an exploration of the multicultural history of the United States at one of its pivotal turning points, and its impact on the demographics and geographic distribution of the population

  • a compelling introduction to global dance and music styles

  • an accessible treatment of several poets with U.S. and world importance

  • creation of a touchstone for interdisciplinary learning across the curriculum

  • composition of a work that promotes subsequent discussion in the classroom around the historical period and the cultures represented

 The Golden Door is designed to work with companion materials that support the educational experience. The artistic team includes educators in literature, dance, music and foreign languages, and they are authoring companion materials for students and a brief teacher’s guide. Below are sample lesson plans linked to the narrative and music of The Golden Door. 

IDEAS FOR EDUCATORS

The Golden Door contains multiple points of learning for students of any age. The story and characters are ripe with opportunities for discussion, reflection, and exploratory activities. Here are a few very simplified examples of potential lessons that can be applied to students at multiple levels. They are by no means exhaustive and the possibilities are limitless. These are simply intended to illustrate potential and spark ideas. If you are an educator interested in bringing The Golden Door to your school, we will provide comprehensive educational resources for your students based on your needs.

Lesson: The New Colossus

Themes: Determination, problem solving, overcoming barriers

Supplemental Resources:

  • Poem "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus

  • Short reading about Emma Lazarus

Discussion / Reflection Prompt: After reading Emma Lazarus' poem, "The New Colossus", why do you think it was chosen to be included with the Statue of Liberty?

Discussion / Reflection Prompt: Emma Lazarus was both a Jew and a woman writing in the late 19th century. She rose to prominence despite significant social barriers. What do you think it took for her to realize her success? Do you have barriers in your own life? What are they and how can you find inspiration in her story?

Exploratory Activity: Imagine you are commissioned to design a new work of art to welcome people into our country today. Sketch what it would it look like? Where would it be? Write something (a poem, rap song, or narrative.) to be included with your piece.

 

Lesson: Racism and Prejudice

Themes: Racism, Prejudice, Acceptance, Diversity

Supplemental Resources:

  • Short biography of Burt Williams, a successful African American performing artist of the early 20th century, and of Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet of the same period

  • "Sympathy" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

  • Script of scene from The Golden Door

Activities:

  • Read biographies about Burt Williams and Paul Laurence Dunbar, and the poem "Sympathy"

  • Read scene from The Golden Door

Discussion / Reflection Prompt: After reading about Burt Williams and Paul Laurence Dunbar, why do you think their roles are significant to the story of America? Why do you think Jeremiah feels such a connection to them?

Discussion / Reflection Prompt: Is Jeremiah the only one who experiences the consequences of prejudice in the story? Who else? Is prejudice always about race? What examples of prejudice do you encounter in your own world?

Exploratory Activity: Students randomly choose pieces of paper with either a purple, green or orange dot. They then take a quiz on The Golden Door. Those with a purple dot get a quiz with most of the answers provided for them. Those with an green dot get a quiz with hints to help them. Those with the orange dot have to complete the quiz with no help. Students exchange and grade quizzes with someone from another color group. Tally the results and process the implications and feelings students have about the results. Discuss the nature of social privilege and how it impacts people's success in life.

 

Lesson: What is "American"?

Themes: American History, Immigration

Supplemental Resources:

  • Short reading about President Roosevelt's Immigration Policies

  • Photos of immigrants on Ellis Island in the early 20th century

Discussion/ Reflection Prompt: Marie-Louise writes in her diary about her confusion around what it means to be American. Why do you think she feels confused?

Discussion / Reflection Prompt: Officer Lyne talks about President Roosevelt's decision to place the Bureau of Immigration under the Department of Commerce and Labor. After learning more about this initiative, do you think it was a good decision for the American people? For the immigrants?

Discussion / Reflection Prompt: Do you think attitudes toward immigrants have changed? If so, how are things different today?

Exploratory Activity: With a partner, look at the photo of immigrants waiting on Ellis Island. Choose two people and, using your imagination, write a short scene between them to act out for the class. In your scene give your audience a glimpse into who you are, how you might be feeling and what you might be talking about.