So often today, teachers find their lessons structured strictly to state standards. Of course, following state standards is important. But, sometimes the requirements overlook or skip over important content. For examples, standards do not mandate that we teach the Holocaust. I would argue that we have a huge moral obligation to teach this sensitive topic in our Social Studies classrooms. Doing so with finesse and empathy is important.
Taking into consideration the fact that you have to cover all of your other content, you can teach the Holocaust in powerful yet quick ways if needed. You don’t have to teach a months-long intensive unit. In fact, it’s more important to teach this with sensitivity than length.
Ideas for Teaching the Holocaust Sensitively
If you need to quickly teach the Holocaust, download this free Holocaust timeline. You can do this as a silent timeline activity or big paper walking tour.
If you can work with your English department, you can have students read Night by Elie Wiesel. They can review this through a Social Studies lens. This will help students see the impact the Holocaust had on the lives of the Jews in Europe.
If you are teaching US History, consider letting your students research hate groups in our world today. This could be tied into your World War II unit, Civil Rights lessons, or current events.
Another great way to introduce the important lesson on how the Holocaust came about is through the analysis of propaganda from that time period. Teaching students the types and purposes of propaganda can help them see how ordinary people can fall prey to misinformation that leads to horrible atrocities.
If nothing else, take the time to teach one lesson on the atrocities of WWII. Just introducing the Holocaust, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and other events that took place during the war period will help students to see that all nations performed terrible acts in the name of war and that ordinary citizens suffered the consequences.
Though not required by state standards, teaching the Holocaust is crucial in your history classroom. Do this in a way that best fits your classroom dynamic, students, and time allotted. Teach empathy alongside content to empower your students.
Happy Teaching!
