In third grade, we've immersed ourselves in our Wit & Wisdom Module 3: A New Home, exploring the theme of immigration through powerful literature and personal reflection. We recently read Allen Say's Grandfather's Journey and Tea with Milk, both of which recount the true stories of Say's family members and their experiences immigrating between Japan and America.

In Tea with Milk, the character Masako shares her enjoyment of drinking tea with milk in America—a custom unfamiliar in Japan. This small detail sparked significant classroom conversations about the cultural differences immigrants encounter and how even everyday routines can shift in a new country.

Students have been reflecting on the potential feelings of leaving behind the familiar and adjusting to life in a new place. To deepen our understanding, we've invited Bernard Zell teachers to share their own immigration stories with our class and look forward to extending this invitation to families soon.

As part of this unit, students also experienced tasting tea with milk—just like Masako—and interviewed Mr. Sosa (Middle School Science and Jewish Studies Teacher) about his personal immigration journey. It's been a meaningful and enriching exploration of what it means to make a new home.