Room to Grow

This compare-and-contrast reading worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they practice reading comprehension, historical analysis, evidence-based comparison, and critical thinking. Through an informational passage comparing tenement housing in early 1900s New York City with modern living conditions, students examine changes in safety, health, housing quality, and opportunity while connecting historical experiences to life today.

Learning Goals

• Comparing & Contrasting Texts (Grades 4-6) – Identify similarities and differences between past and present living conditions using textual evidence.
• Urbanization & Immigration History – Understand how immigrants lived in crowded tenements and why reform was needed.
• Civics & Social Awareness – Explore issues of housing, public health, and social reform over time.
• Evidence-Based Responses – Write clear comparison answers supported by details from the passage.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA, social studies, and civics standards.
• Relevant Historical Connection – Links past immigrant experiences to students’ present-day understanding of housing and community.
• Structured Comparison Focus – Supports organization and clarity when analyzing change and continuity.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for reading lessons, social studies units, small groups, or comprehension assessments.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen comparison skills, historical understanding, and critical thinking by examining how immigrant living conditions have changed over time. By connecting history to modern life, learners gain deeper insight into social progress, ongoing challenges, and the importance of reform. It’s a thoughtful, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Immigration and Ellis Island collection.