Online activities, lesson plans, discussion guides, and book lists that explore the tragedy of the Holocaust.
Unit Plan
Literature and History of the Holocaust
Through an inquiry-based unit, students explore World War II and the Holocaust, learning about the human spirit and how it helps people to overcome diversity and conflict.
Grades
3–5
Duration
6 WEEKS
Quick links to unit plan resources:
Objectives
Students will:
- Access prior knowledge of the Holocaust
- Examine quotes and text passages related to the Holocaust
- Generate a list of questions about the Holocaust
- Analyze a piece of writing based on the authorship of the work
- Utilize the Internet to learn about an author
- Infer the meaning of a poem
- Determine an author's purpose
Culminating Activity
Throughout this unit students will read a variety of literature. Have students prepare a poster about one of the books they read with a paragraph explaining how the book relates to the unit. Hang these posters in a hallway and invite other classes to do a "gallery walk" of the posters.
Supporting Books

Introduction to a Study of the Holocaust
Students create questions they want answered about the Holocaust while they read quotes and listen to passages from books related to the tragedy.
GRADES
3–5
DURATION
1 DAY

Hermeneutics: Teaching Students Author's Purpose
Students learn how to examine sources, giving you an opportunity to guide students through such examination with light literature.
GRADES
3–5
DURATION
3 DAYS

Lesson Ideas to Enrich Student Inquiry into the Holocaust
These inquiry-based lesson ideas will enrich students' understanding of World War II and the Holocaust while sharpening reading comprehension, writing, and research skills.