The Devil's Arithmetic Lesson Plan

Holocaust Poetry

Kind of Activity:

Creative Writing

Objective:

Students will reflect on different Holocaust poems and experiences of survivors and write their own poems from Hannah's perspective, showcasing their understanding of her character and experiences.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.4, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.5, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3, CCSS.ELA-L.8.5

Structure:

To begin this activity, as a class, read and analyze the poems "First They Came" by Pastor Martin Niemöller and "Never Shall I Forget" by Elie Weisel. Consider the themes, the imagery, the tone, metaphors/analogies, the repetition,...