Help me give my students a chance to discover the Holocaust and those it affected. Many of my students think that the Holocaust was a hoax and unaware of those real-world issues surrounding this very real historical event.
I teach primarily 9th grade English, but also grammar, Native American literature, creative writing, and fiction. The kids that I teach are full of energy, though that energy is often focused on sports and friends. I teach primarily to be a source of inspiration to my group of kids and also to help open their eyes to the world around them.
Many of my students have never left the state and I strive to take them to new places and new mindsets as often as possible.
However, many times, this is only accessible through a book. I work on a reservation in the Midwest and while transportation is not always easy to come by, I've found that a good book and an involved leader can help guide students forward into new territory.
My Project
My students are often closed off from the rest of the world. Though they have the world, quite literally, in the palm of their hands in a little device, many of my students do not really understand real-world issues. I plan to use these books in order to help students make connections to the past while also understanding the topics and concerns of today.
Social media and YouTube stars have worked together to alienate young people from their peers, family members, community, and the world, while also affecting self worth and the concept of becoming a good person at heart.
I've been told by students that they have watched YouTube videos discrediting the Holocaust and the survivors and making light of Hitler's agenda in Europe. Adolf Hitler is someone to joke about, but wasn't truly a real person with real plans. I want to help change this mindset.
Through these books, I hope to help my students discover that the Holocaust, though interesting, was quite brutal and horrific for many people. The graphic novels in particular will be a great way to capture their attentions while also providing lots of good information.
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