Teaching the Holocaust
Handouts, Lessons & Resources for Teachers

NEW RESOURCES!

New Curriculum Available!  
Everyday Objects: Artifacts from Washington State Holocaust Survivors

A new curriculum is now available for the "Everyday Objects: Artifacts from Washington State Holocaust Survivors" poster series! This curriculum was created by master teachers in conjunction with the Holocaust Center.  Activities and lessons align with state-standards and appeal to a variety of learning styles.  The "Everyday Objects" poster series consists of 12 posters, sized 8.5 x 11 inches, double-sided.  Each poster features an artifact and its story. Funding for the curriculum provided by 4Culture/Lodging Tax Fund.


Schindler 1940Student-Created Resource - Interactive Website
Oskar Schindler: An Unusual Savior

Katie W. is a student at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma.  As a ninth grade student of Nick Coddington, Katie created this project for the National History Day Contest.  "Everyone has seen the movie, 'Schindler's List'," Katie explained, "but few people actually know much about this person. I wanted to create something that would get people involved and would show them that he had many options open to him. He had to make decisions each step of the way."

Katie created and designed the entire website herself by writing the html code. All of her facts have been checked and double-checked. She provides links to definitions and biographies and even includes short video clips to enhance the story and experience.  The website is in a "choose-your-own-adventure" style.  
Go to "Oskar Schindler: An Unusual Savior" website

 

SUGGESTED HANDOUTS FOR TEACHERS & STUDENTS



 


LESSONS & ACTIVITIES

 



WHERE DO I START?
Initial steps for teaching about the Holocaust:
Become acquainted with Holocaust history; Review "Guidelines" for teaching about the Holocaust; Develop your goals; Decide on a timeframe; Choose themes; Find resources

EVERYDAY OBJECTS: ARTIFACTS FROM WASHINGTON STATE HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS
New Curriculum Available!
12 posters, sized 8.5 x 11 inches, double-sided.
Everyday Objects consists of a set of twelve posters. Each poster features an artifact and the story of either the object or the person who obtained the object. The set is ideal for use in classrooms as an activity or display. The variety of artifacts and their corresponding stories encourage one to view the Holocaust from multiple perspectives. Curriculum was created by master teachers in conjunction with the Holocaust Center. Features activities that align with state-standards and that appeal to a variety of learning styles.

INTRODUCTORY LESSONS & ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST
by Josephine Cripps, Teacher at Alternative School #1, Seattle
"These lessons comprise a basic, introductory unit that is unconventional in a couple of ways. First, the lessons are highly scripted in order to assist teachers who worry about what to say when they introduce the Holocaust. Second, the lessons emphasize group work, peer teaching, and activities that get students out of their seats...The lessons are presented in the order in which I teach them over the first few weeks of a semester-long course."

STUDYING THE HOLOCAUST: RESISTANCE, RESCUE, AND SURVIVAL
A Newspapers In Education Series, published in the Seattle Times, 2005
14 articles explore the Holocaust and issues relevant to today: moral courage, civil liberties, and social responsibility. Integrated into these themes are stories of local survivors. The teacher guide offers additional background information, quotes from local survivors, activities, and suggested resources. For grades 7-12.

STORIES AMONG US: PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF GENOCIDE
A Newspapers In Education Series, published in the Seattle Times, 2008
Published in the Seattle Times on Wednesdays, April 9 - June 11, 2008, this 10-article series focuses on the stories of individuals in our community directly affected by genocide during the past century.

WASL PREP - HOLOCAUST WRITING PROMPTS
Created by Kim Spradlin and Tammy Grubb, teachers in the Eastmont School District for the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center. July 2008.

BLOG - MORE EXAMPLES
For examples of what teachers are doing in their classrooms, check out the Holocaust Center's Blog!


 

GUIDES TO BOOKS

Below is a sampling of some of the teacher guides available for books and movies.  If you would like to receive a copy of one of these guides, or if there is a book/dvd for which you want a guide that is not listed, please contact Ilana Cone Kennedy, Director of Education, at ikennedy@wsherc.org.

 

  • All But My Life
  • Anne Frank
  • Daniel's Story
  • Hana's Suitcase
  • Night
  • Number the Stars
  • Schindler's List
  • And More!

TEACHING MATERIALS FOR YOM HASHOAH -
Holocaust Remembrance Day



Selection of materials created by an interfaith group of local educators. Materials include "Names as Tools for Remembering," "Bystanders and Responsibility," "Readings for Christian Schools" and "Readings for Jewish Schools"


SUGGESTED WEBSITES

 

 

 

For handouts or information on specific topics, please contact Ilana Cone Kennedy, Director of Education, at ilanak@wsherc.org.