Chapter 19: Connecting Shared Immigration Experiences in the Language Classroom

In the wake of the 2016 election and the events of January 6, 2021, on the steps of our nation’s Capitol, many of our students emotionally withdrew from class while others became angry and distrustful. Our once politically disengaged student body now felt enraged by political stickers and avatars on their peer’s computers, or the flag displayed in their bedroom within our Google Meet. Teaching is indeed a political act and the political nature of learning a world language in the United States includes addressing this very issue through various perspectives and narratives while also focusing on empathy. These critical moments can become a welcome part of the language classroom when anticipated, addressed appropriately, and reflection is allowed and encouraged. In this chapter, I highlight a unit on the immigrant experience through art, literature, music, and cinema.