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[CCBC-Net] Holocaust Discussion
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From: Mary Reilly-Kliss <maryrk>
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 16:58:39 -0500
Random thoughts from a retired middle school reading/language arts teacher re: Holocaust materials:
*** Does Holocaust education merit some sort of "nationalized" curriculum movement such that all students would have exposure to this topic? In some schools, Holocaust education is sketchy at best, if taught at all. Some see Anne Frank's diary as "old school" and lacking relevance. Well, her story is what we, as educators make of it. If students are not ready for the entire diary, then perhaps the play would work. Supplement the play with student-selected fiction and non-fiction Holocaust choices and watch and listen as kids recommend books to one another and share the experiences found in their readings and make connections to current world and national events. This the Holocaust a topic on which we, as a nation, should find "no child left behind".
*** This year's National Day of Remembrance and Recognition is April 25. How many schools, local news agencies or historical societies make note of this via publications or public service announcements? A letter to the editor or phone call to the radio station is in order if those agencies do not make mention of this date.
*** I found The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas, to be very moving and have had some wonderful discussions with others who have read it, though not all readers have been as enthused as I we have had great discussions none the less. I viewed this book as a "snap shot" of what one child could have experienced, and think that one could do a classroom read-aloud and find many, many questions for discussion, some of them raised by Ruth Gordon's earlier post. This is a book well worth reading and I challenge anyone who has read it to not talk about it!
*** I highly, highly recommend the previously mentioned fictional works by Carol Matas: Lisa's War and Kris's War. For one thing, students who are not avid readers find the comparative short length of these novels to be non-threatening. Interest piqued, some then move on to longer, more involved books. These titles are periodically offered through the Scholastic Book clubs. If you see them, stock up! These titles consistently "disappeared" from my classroom library each year, a hallmark of a book which kids wanted to read again.
*** Lastly, are any of you reading or have you read Marcus Zuzak's The Book Thief? Though it is a very interesting and well-written book sure to be nominated for awards, I am wondering how it will suit teen readers. Do any of you think that the length is prohibitive for class discussion? I have not yet finished it, so if you respond, please don't give anything away!
Mary Reilly-Kliss
Retired Educator
West Bend, WI
"Reading is a means of thinking with another person's mind; it forces you to stretch your own."
Charles Scribner, Jr.
Received on Sun 23 Apr 2006 04:58:39 PM CDT
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 16:58:39 -0500
Random thoughts from a retired middle school reading/language arts teacher re: Holocaust materials:
*** Does Holocaust education merit some sort of "nationalized" curriculum movement such that all students would have exposure to this topic? In some schools, Holocaust education is sketchy at best, if taught at all. Some see Anne Frank's diary as "old school" and lacking relevance. Well, her story is what we, as educators make of it. If students are not ready for the entire diary, then perhaps the play would work. Supplement the play with student-selected fiction and non-fiction Holocaust choices and watch and listen as kids recommend books to one another and share the experiences found in their readings and make connections to current world and national events. This the Holocaust a topic on which we, as a nation, should find "no child left behind".
*** This year's National Day of Remembrance and Recognition is April 25. How many schools, local news agencies or historical societies make note of this via publications or public service announcements? A letter to the editor or phone call to the radio station is in order if those agencies do not make mention of this date.
*** I found The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas, to be very moving and have had some wonderful discussions with others who have read it, though not all readers have been as enthused as I we have had great discussions none the less. I viewed this book as a "snap shot" of what one child could have experienced, and think that one could do a classroom read-aloud and find many, many questions for discussion, some of them raised by Ruth Gordon's earlier post. This is a book well worth reading and I challenge anyone who has read it to not talk about it!
*** I highly, highly recommend the previously mentioned fictional works by Carol Matas: Lisa's War and Kris's War. For one thing, students who are not avid readers find the comparative short length of these novels to be non-threatening. Interest piqued, some then move on to longer, more involved books. These titles are periodically offered through the Scholastic Book clubs. If you see them, stock up! These titles consistently "disappeared" from my classroom library each year, a hallmark of a book which kids wanted to read again.
*** Lastly, are any of you reading or have you read Marcus Zuzak's The Book Thief? Though it is a very interesting and well-written book sure to be nominated for awards, I am wondering how it will suit teen readers. Do any of you think that the length is prohibitive for class discussion? I have not yet finished it, so if you respond, please don't give anything away!
Mary Reilly-Kliss
Retired Educator
West Bend, WI
"Reading is a means of thinking with another person's mind; it forces you to stretch your own."
Charles Scribner, Jr.
Received on Sun 23 Apr 2006 04:58:39 PM CDT
