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Answering Student Questions About Immigration and Citizenship

Weekly Update from the Director - March 7, 2025
In our diverse and international school community, we recognize and actually have already been made aware that our students may be hearing bits and pieces about immigration and citizenship in the news and in conversations around them. As young learners, they are naturally curious and may have questions about what they hear. We want to acknowledge that these topics can be complex and sometimes confusing for children, especially when they lack full context or understanding.

As educators and parents, we have a unique opportunity to help children process these conversations in ways that are developmentally appropriate, reassuring, and focused on our shared values of global citizenship, international education, bilingualism, and community.

When children ask questions about the rather complex topic of immigration and citizenship, we encourage a few guiding principles:
  1. Listen First – Allow children to express what they have heard and how they feel. Their concerns may be rooted in uncertainty, and understanding their perspective is the first step in offering reassurance.
  2. Provide Simple, Age-Appropriate Responses – Young children benefit from straightforward explanations. For example, "People move to different countries for many reasons, and there are rules about how that happens. Some of these rules are being discussed right now."
  3. Reassure Their Sense of Safety – Children may worry about themselves, their friends, or their family members. It is important to affirm that they are safe and surrounded by a caring school and community.
  4. Encourage Empathy and Respect – Conversations about immigration can be an opportunity to reinforce values of understanding and respect toward others. 
  5. Model Thoughtful Discussion – If children overhear conversations at home or at school, we can guide them in asking respectful questions and recognizing that topics like these have many viewpoints.
Our school remains a place where all students—regardless of background or nationality—belong and matter. We encourage open communication between families and our staff, and we are always here to support you in navigating these conversations with your children. If you have any concerns or would like additional resources on how to discuss these topics at home, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Ben Hebebrand
GISC Director
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1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 | +1-773-857-3000 | info [at] germanschoolchicago.com
German International School Chicago (GISC) is an IB World School that prepares students to become well-rounded, creative, and responsible global citizens. Located in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, GISC provides students with a German-English bilingual education in a supportive and individualized learning environment. GISC graduates are prepared academically and socially to succeed in an increasingly global world. Now enrolling Preschool to 8th Grade.

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