Holocaust Commemoration

Summary

Holocaust Commemoration week is often forgotten. I want my students to know of this egregious part of history. This lesson will encourage discussion and promote awareness. As the students complete the assignment and sign their names on yellow stars of David they may experience feelings of empathy and sorrow for the victims and reflect on those feelings.

Materials

Table;printed worksheet;pencils;box of yellow stars ;box for worksheets; book HISTORY OF A HATRED;dictionary

Background for Teachers

I prepared this lesson as a learning center to be set up in the Media Center during Holocaust Commemoration Week. I found an abundance of information and free materials on the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website, www.ushmm.org

Intended Learning Outcomes

To make the students aware of the atrocities that were committed against the Jewish people and the genocide that occurred in Poland and Germany. This lesson will improve skills in language, reading, comprehension, writing and life skills such as empathy and citizenship.

Instructional Procedures

To introduce the lesson, read the book, ROSE BLANCHE by Robert Innocenti aloud. Ask the students what they think happened to Rose and her friends. Encourage discussion and explain the purpose of the learning center. 1. Read HISTORY OF A HATRED (THE HOLOCAUST)by Stuart A. Kallen. 2. In your own words, define two of the following terms: Annihilate;Anti-Semitism;Holocaust; Prejudice;Propoganda;Racist 3. After completing the definitions, sign your name on a yellow star and place the star on the bulletin board beneath the statement of a Holocaust survivor, 'I have told you this story not to weaken you but to strengthen you. Now it is up to you.'

Bibliography

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (, ) Kallen, Stuart A. History of a Hatred ( the Holocaust ) (Abdo & Daughter Publishing, December 1994)