I can't believe this.
[Fast explanation: A Schooldecides to show 8th graders what it was like to be jewish under the Nazi's. Perhaps a little more prep work was needed, as the reactions were terrible.]
Took all kids with last names L-Z and made them wear a gold 6point (Jewish) Star.
They SHOULD have collected the kids out of the classroom at that point.
Speaking as someone who watched over 20-25 different holocaust films IN the 1970's, and having had a very extensive holocaust and ZIONIST educational experience when I was coming of age, I can tell you several things.
1) FIRST mistake. The teacher had a GREAT idea. It should have been shared with the parents, as a future item in a newsletter, something like...
Dear Parents:
Next month we will be doing a very innovative project for holocaust memorial day. We are giving you a heads up now, so you are informed. We will be providing a detailed explanation of the program for you to review after we've showed the kids.
2) An intro to the unit, would have been good, showing; say the Warsaw Ghetto, and show how everyone there was forced to wear a Jewish Star. Perhaps a week in advance.
3) The affected "Jews" should have been collected, from the classes, and forcibly segrated again! (and 1/2 of the kids should have been told it was only for the day, so they could pass it around)
4)It seems that the teacher/staff did not do a critical need of brainstorming
the possible ways the scenario could have gone. Otherwise, the kids would have even had a special bread and water line....This could have been accomplished by having the food staff hand everyone with a star, a paper bag containing a slice of bread and some water.
This Idea of divide and show is the greatest one I have ever heard of for teaching holocaust education.
It just needs someone who's experienced enough in understanding the little things, and making sure that the parents were not too alarmed.
Cheers.
Markbnj
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