Title: Exploring the Holocaust through “I Never Saw Another Butterfly”

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to understand the historical context of the Holocaust and empathize with the experiences of children during this time period, using the book “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” as a primary source.

Materials: - Copies of the book “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” by Hana Volavková (or excerpts) - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts with discussion questions - Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, etc.)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have heard about the Holocaust and what they know about it.
   • Write down their responses on the board.
   • Explain that today, we will be exploring the Holocaust through the eyes of children who experienced it.
2. Pre-Reading Activity (10 minutes):
   • Distribute copies of the book “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” or excerpts to each student.
   • Ask students to examine the cover and read the title aloud.
   • In pairs or small groups, have students discuss what they think the book might be about based on the title and cover.
   • Share their ideas as a class and write them on the board.
3. Reading and Discussion (20 minutes):
   • Instruct students to read a selected chapter or excerpt from the book silently.
   • After reading, distribute handouts with discussion questions related to the reading.
   • Encourage students to discuss their answers in small groups or pairs.
   • Facilitate a whole-class discussion, allowing students to share their thoughts and insights.
   • Use the discussion questions to guide the conversation, ensuring that students understand the historical context and the experiences of the children during the Holocaust.
4. Artistic Expression (15 minutes):
   • Explain to students that art can be a powerful way to express emotions and experiences.
   • Provide art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, or crayons.
   • Ask students to choose a scene or moment from the reading that stood out to them and create a visual representation of it.
   • Encourage students to think about the emotions and messages they want to convey through their artwork.
   • Allow students to share their artwork with the class, explaining their choices and interpretations.
5. Reflection and Closure (5 minutes):
   • Ask students to reflect on what they have learned about the Holocaust and the experiences of children during this time.
   • Have a brief class discussion, allowing students to share their reflections and any lingering questions they may have.
   • Summarize the main points discussed during the lesson and emphasize the importance of remembering and learning from history.

Extension Activity (optional): - Assign students to research and present on a specific child survivor of the Holocaust, using “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” as a starting point. - Encourage students to explore the child’s experiences, resilience, and post-war life. - Provide guidelines for the presentation format (e.g., PowerPoint, poster, oral presentation) and allocate time for students to share their findings with the class.