The 9-10s class recently hosted a tour of the Lower East Side in their classroom. They built dioramas of the neighborhood using old shoeboxes, handmade clay figures, and lots of imagination. Parents were invited to walk around and view the creative depictions of what life was like during the early 1900s.
Julianna and her students have been immersed in the study of immigration and the harsh reality of the times. “They were striking for better working conditions,” said Maya, who partnered with Zuri on a diorama of a factory worker strike.
Zack and Savannah explained how badly workers were treated at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, the site of one of the worst industrial fires in history. “They locked the doors so people wouldn’t leave or steal fabric,” Zack said. The factory fire prompted a series of changes in safety and working conditions.
A display by Jivan and Justin illustrated how kids earned money by selling newspapers on the streets of the Lower East Side. “I can’t believe newspapers were only a penny! How could they make any money?” said Justin.
Pilar and Leilani were very detailed in their recreation of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, one of the earliest synagogues to be erected in the United States. “It was a place where people could come and look at something beautiful,” said Pilar.
Asha and Lillian reconstructed an apartment sweatshop where a large family was employed to roll cigars and make flowers. “Making the people out of clay was the best!” exclaimed Lillian.
A visitor admiring the handiwork of Daniel and Willa’s schoolhouse diorama asked, “can you imagine going to school without boys?” Willa quickly said, “actually, I would like that a lot!”
If you missed the event, there’s more great work from the LES project on display in the classroom.
Manhattan Country School News 