The Holocaust was an atrocity that shock the entire world in World War 2. Its affects and impacts are felt to this day. This genocide is the most covered genocide in schools and it is not without reason. We have introduced 2 resources for this subject, both of which should enrich your teaching experience.
Book - The Book Thief description: Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau. Source: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19063.The_Book_Thief Tips: this book touches on themes of poverty, class and race through the setting of the Holocaust. Be sure to touch on these ideas while teaching the bigger theme of the Holocaust as these themes will assist students in understanding the Holocaust as a whole. Movie - Life is Beautiful description: A gentle Jewish-Italian waiter, Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni), meets Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a pretty schoolteacher, and wins her over with his charm and humor. Eventually they marry and have a son, Giosue (Giorgio Cantarini). Their happiness is abruptly halted, however, when Guido and Giosue are separated from Dora and taken to a concentration camp. Determined to shelter his son from the horrors of his surroundings, Guido convinces Giosue that their time in the camp is merely a game. Source: wikipedia Tips: this movie is emotional, of course, it brings out feelings that students may be uncomfortable with. I recommend this film for grades 11 and 12, unless you feel your students are ready for it. With touchy subjects and content we recommend you read or view a book/movie in sections, preparing the students for what is to come. |