Making Multicultural Connections
Through Trade Books

Mary McLean and the St. Patrick's Day Parade
Written by Steven Kroll
Illustrated by Michael Dooling

Cultural Group: Other International Cultures

Content Connection: Social Studies Grade 5

Topic : Immigrant Experience

Suggested Exemplars

• Serial Collection: Statue of Liberty, ship, small fabric or leather carry-all, comb, toothbrush, blanket, dried shamrock

Learning Sequence

1. Guess Box: shamrock or clover

2. 1. Read story to the class, telling students to listen to draw conclusions about the early travel and settling experiences of immigrants to this country.

3. Reflective Dialogue: Discuss the hardships the McLeans faced on their journey and in their new home.

4. Present the serial collection and have children suggest a title for it.

5. Compare and contrast the immigrant experience of Mary and her family with:
   1. earlier immigrants
   2. students who have come from another country

Extension

• Students research their family background to determine if a family member immigrated to the United States and enter this information in a journal.

Technology Link

• Use Mac Globe (Broderbund) to plot distance and determine coordinates between Ireland and the U.S.

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© 1996 MCPS Department of Academic Programs, Division of Enriched and Innovative Instruction,Program of Assessment, Diagnosis, and Instruction