In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th, our 8th graders took a deeper look into history during their current WWII unit in Social Studies. Using a teaching trunk from the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center titled “Historical Perspectives through Different Voices,” students explored the human impact of the Holocaust in meaningful and reflective ways.
Through the examination of fiction and non-fiction texts, diaries, and biographies, students focused on how the Holocaust affected individuals and families. They rotated through six interactive stations designed to bring history to life. At one station, students examined virtues and core values highlighted in powerful posters. At another, they carefully studied survivor artifacts, gaining insight into real stories of courage and resilience. Students analyzed maps to better understand ghettos, camps, and life in hiding, viewed a moving documentary, and explored our collection of WWII books.
By experiencing history through multiple perspectives, students were reminded that behind every historical event are real people and real stories—voices that deserve to be remembered.
