One reading group’s lively conversation today lead to us discussing Morse code. The character in the book learns about it, so the group did too. Below is a resource I shared with them. I do not personally know Morse code, but I do believe this information is accurate. All fourth graders are welcome to use it to explore Morse code.

http://www.learnmorsecode.com 

LEARN MORSE CODE in one minute!

Place your pencil where it says START and listen to morse code.
Move down and to the right every time you hear a DIT (a dot).
Move down and to the left every time you hear a DAH (a dash).
Here’s an example: You hear DAH DIT DIT which is a dash then dot then dot.
You start at START and hear a DAH then move down and left to the T and then you hear a DIT so you move down and RIGHT to the N and then you hear another DIT so you move DOWN and RIGHT again and land on the D
You then write down the letter D on your code copy paper and jump back to START waiting for your next letter.
The key to learning the code is hearing it and comprehending it while you hear it.
The only way to get there is to practice 10 minutes a day.
Listen to code tapes or computer practice code while tracing out this chart and you will find yourself writing down the letters in no time at all without the aid of the chart.
The chart brings repetition together with recognition, which you don’t get from any other type of code practice aid.

HEAR slow morse code This code speed is slow enough to follow the chart above.

LEARN the DITs and DAHs with these MP3 files:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

On Tuesday fourth graders role-played being immigrants immigrating to America in the early 1900s. Before starting their journey, they changed into outfits typical of that time period. They filled out a real government document before gaining passage on the Cunard Line, a ship to the United States. They went to the ticket office where passports and documents were checked, and tickets to America were purchased. Then they traveled to a port by foot, a very long and tiring journey. Students boarded the ship (the quiet house), eager to set sail. First class had luxurious accomodations. Steerage passengers had to cram into a smaller space. It was cramped and many passengers hoped they would not become seasick. After a long voyage, students could see a green lady on a pedestal holding a torch in one hand and a book in the other. They jumped for joy!

 

Upon arrival at Ellis Island, everyone was taken to the Baggage Room. They had to leave their possessions behind and trust that they would not be stolen. Each family group had to wait until they were called. Each family member was then asked many hard questions and had to pass many tests. If any test was not passed, the individual was sent to detention. Those in detention hoped they wouldn’t be sent back to their home countries. As part of the inspections, everyone had to be checked by a doctor and experience mental tests. Once all of these tests were passed, everyone had to take a citizenship test. The questions were really hard! After a long and grueling journey, everyone was welcomed into America.