Title: Voices of Resilience: Exploring Holocaust Victims and Survivors through Biographies
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to empathize with the experiences of Holocaust victims and survivors by analyzing their biographies, fostering a deeper understanding of the human impact of the Holocaust.
Materials: 1. Biographies of Holocaust victims and survivors (e.g., Anne Frank, Elie Wiesel, Primo Levi, Corrie ten Boom, etc.) 2. Computers or tablets with internet access 3. Projector or smartboard 4. Sticky notes or index cards 5. Chart paper and markers
Procedure:
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Introduction (10 minutes): a. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have heard about the Holocaust and what they know about it. Write their responses on the chart paper. b. Share the objective of the lesson and explain that they will be exploring the personal stories of Holocaust victims and survivors through their biographies.
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Biographies Exploration (20 minutes): a. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a biography of a Holocaust victim or survivor. b. Instruct students to read the biography carefully, highlighting key events, emotions, and challenges faced by the individual. c. Encourage students to discuss within their groups, sharing their thoughts and reflections on the biography.
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Interactive Activity: “Walking in Their Shoes” (15 minutes): a. Ask students to imagine themselves as the person they read about in the biography. b. Distribute sticky notes or index cards to each student and ask them to write down one question they would like to ask the person they are embodying. c. Collect the questions and redistribute them randomly among the students. d. Instruct students to answer the question they received as if they were the person they read about, considering their experiences, emotions, and perspectives. e. Allow students to share their answers with the class, fostering empathy and understanding.
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Digital Research (15 minutes): a. Provide students with computers or tablets and guide them to reputable websites or online resources where they can find additional information about their chosen Holocaust victim or survivor. b. Instruct students to research and find at least one photograph or primary source related to their person’s life. c. Encourage students to take notes on significant findings and any new insights gained from their research.
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Gallery Walk (20 minutes): a. Set up a gallery walk by displaying the biographies, photographs, and primary sources around the classroom. b. Instruct students to walk around the room, examining each display and reading the information provided. c. Encourage students to add any new information or reflections they gained from their research to the displays using sticky notes or index cards.
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Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes): a. Gather the students back together and facilitate a class discussion. b. Ask students to share their reflections on the biographies they read, the interactive activity, and the gallery walk. c. Encourage students to discuss the impact of learning about the personal stories of Holocaust victims and survivors.
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Conclusion (5 minutes): a. Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding when learning about historical events. b. Encourage students to continue exploring the stories of Holocaust victims and survivors on their own.
Extension Activity: Assign students to write a reflective essay or create a multimedia presentation about the biography they read, highlighting the challenges faced by the individual and the lessons that can be learned from their experiences.
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