Retired from Yeokum Middle School
Belton, Missouri
Grade Level
7th-12th grade
Subject
Language Arts
Social Studies
Time Needed
Recommend at least 3 class period
Introduction
This lesson is designed to help students view/analyze the art created by the children in Theresienstadt during the Holocaust (the vast majority of whom did not survive) and child survivors of the genocide in Darfur. Using the artwork shown in I Never Saw Another Butterfly and the exhibit entitled Smallest Witnesses, students will use critical thinking and research skills to compare/contrast the subjects, themes, artistic characteristics, and experiences portrayed in the artwork.
A minimum of three days would be needed for students to explore the sites and materials provided, review and/or gain background knowledge, and explore the children’s artwork in order to complete their analyses. The unit could easily expand depending where/how students might want to continue their research.
Materials:
Similarities and Differences Venn Diagram
Pedagogical note from the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education: We encourage all educators to be familiar with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Guidelines for Teaching the Holocaust. When teaching this unit, please remember the guideline which tells us to avoid comparisons of suffering and pain. This includes both individuals and groups.
This teaching unit was designed by a member of the Isak Federman Holocaust Teaching Cadre.
Our mission is to teach the history of the Holocaust, applying its lessons to counter indifference, intolerance, and genocide.
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