The Holocaust can be studied as part of the Social Studies curriculum. The topic fits in with a number of conceptual strands:
The guidelines on how to fit these into Achievement objectives are also on the Social Studies curriculum page.
The Holocaust can also be included in the Senior History curriculum. The topic raises some searching questions about the significance of the past, change over time, and continuity in times of change, and Cause and effect. There are useful lesson ideas on the Senior History curriculum page.
Book in a visit to the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand, let your students listen to an account of the Holocaust by a Holocaust survivor.
To arrange a group visit please phone 04 801 9480 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you ring outside opening hours please leave a message and we will return your call. You will need to complete an online booking form and we will contact you to confirm your booking.
Zvi Civins, the Educational Director of the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Melbourne, quoted that in a recent survey 13% of British children thought “Auschwitz” was a beer!
The good news, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, is that:
“Most students demonstrate a high level of interest in studying this history precisely because the subject raises questions of fairness, justice, individual identity, peer pressure, conformity, indifference, and obedience—issues that adolescents confront in their daily lives. Students are also affected by and challenged to comprehend the magnitude of the Holocaust; they are particularly struck by the fact that so many people allowed this or any genocide to occur by failing either to resist or to protest.”
Teaching a topic such as the Holocaust is possibly the most rewarding teaching and learning that can take place in your class room. The very nature of the event lends itself to drawing a range of emotions from students, and can help them grow as citizens. However, in many cases the Holocaust is taught inappropriately, inaccurately, and without suitable provision for the age of students – who at times can be presented with disturbing material.
The key is – don’t be afraid to tackle the Holocaust as part your teaching programme! It is an important human story that informs both the past and the present. However, it is vital that as teaching professionals we are aware of the nature of the subject material, our own limitations, and the care that needs to be taken in teaching it effectively to young people.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website states that as a result of effective teaching of the Holocaust, students should come to realise that:
As educators we need to teach the what before we embark on the why or how. In order for students of any level to make sense of the Holocaust, they need a solid grounding in facts and accurate history. The best way to do this is through the evidence – use a variety of artefacts and primary sources to clearly show the facts of what happened, and to emphasise the human story.
Zvi Civins also recommends starting with at least one lesson on the Jews: What are Jews? Why were the Jews oppressed, and who else was oppressed? How do the Jews fit into broader European history?
Civins also emphasises the importance of students understanding key terms: Genocide, Holocaust and Anti-Semitism. Students must have a solid grounding in these words before they can effectively engage with the history.
Yad Vashem has an excellent website, and essential reading for understanding the do’s and don’ts of Holocaust teaching.
Their key ideas in summary are:
Try at all times to give a human face to all involved: perpetrators/victims/ bystanders/rescuers
Emphasise that the Holocaust took place in modern times and in modern societies
Try and teach students about the 'youth' in the Holocaust: who were the Jewish youth? What are the similarities and differences between them, and the youth of today?
Present the idea of 'choiceless choices' – Holocaust victims had many moral dilemmas or choices, which were not really 'choices' at all
Focus on the process of how the Holocaust unfolded – not just the results
The Holocaust had a special language, often seen through primary sources. Also take note of the “language” of the Final Solution
The stories of survivors and the difficult transition to life after the Holocaust, especially in Israel
Resisters are seen to have a higher 'emotional intelligence'. What does this mean?
Teachers need to present the Holocaust in a safe, age-appropriate way.
The key to any good unit on the narrative of the Holocaust is to concentrate on its evolution, after putting all the groups involved into historical context (ie: 20th century European, and particularly German, history). During and at the end of the unit, the Holocaust lends itself to many appropriate assessment opportunities.
Zvi Civnis recommends a 4 stage sequence for teaching a narrative of the Holocaust:
This is just a broad outline – be aware that there can be a lot of overlap (eg, ghetto’s and camps existed simultaneously). Also, don’t forget that lots of people suffered – not just Jews. Be sure to avoid playing comparative suffering. Each story stands on its own.
The teaching ideas and unit plans in this website are based broadly on the philosophy and sequence offered above, starting with a solid foundation of historical context.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website and the Holocaust Task Force site have an excellent set of guidelines to be aware of before you start teaching – highly recommended reading. It is vital to have a firm idea of your own philosophy behind why you are teaching the Holocaust. A thoughtful reading of these guidelines can help:
USHMM Guidelines for Teaching about the Holocaust
These International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Holocaust Task Force guidelines provide support and direction to educators in the field of Holocaust education.
What to Teach About the Holocaust
How to Teach About the Holocaust
Guidelines for Study Trips to Holocaust-Related Authentic and Non-Authentic Sites
Revised Guidelines on Visiting Holocaust-Related Sites
Preparing Holocaust Memorial Days: Suggestions for Educators
Phone us: +64 4 801 9480
Email us: info@holocaustcentre.org.nz
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