I have been researching appropriate stories to tell children from 5-12 about the Holocaust. I am aware that this is a difficult topic particularly because some of the the children are so very young and might be far too impressionable. However, I feel very strongly that this is a topic that should be addressed within storytelling clubs and that potentially hard issues, like racism, discrimination, respect for others should be tackled in a sensitive and creative manner. I have researched the Holocaust Memorial Day website and have found wonderful resources there. I was particularly inspired by the drama activity suggested for an assembly. However, some of my colleagues at the club felt the material and the content was too strong to address in only 1 hour. I wonder if other people have had similar problems to mine. I would love to hear some possible suggestions. I have also read "Hasidic Tales of the Holocaust" by Jaffa Eliach and have been tremendously inspired by some of the stories of courage, determination, humanity and faith... However, I am still not sure on the way of adapting one of those stories for an audience of 5-12.
Credits.
The image of the shoes was taken by Laura at Yad Vashem
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That's really tricky. I agree with you that it should definitely be tackled (I certainly feel that stories are often the best place to deal with difficult subjects) but within the confines of an hour and with such a range of kids that must be so hard.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of any appropriate story that does justice to it though - or is simple enough. Hmm.
When I was very young my mother my mother made up a story about it to simplify it down, about a man who hated all people with brown hair and brown eyes (like I say: really simplistic!), and she ended with 'And guess what colour his hair and eyes were?' It made a massive impact on me, and definitely started me off thinking.
Dear Ella thank you for the comment. Althoug it is simplistic, it does bring the message of the story through. I might pinch that idea...
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