
Teaching with Testimony
At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12- Genocide
- The Holocaust
Overview
About This Collection
Survivor testimony is a powerful way to emotionally engage students and deepen their learning. Listening, watching, or reading about the personal experiences of witnesses to history connects their heart, mind, and conscience to the history they are studying and brings it to life.
This collection introduces students to personal accounts of the Holocaust, told by survivors, rescuers, and witnesses, many of which have been selected from USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive. The accompanying lesson plan helps to prepare students to engage with survivors’ stories and supports educators to structure and guide their conversations.
Preparing to Teach
A Note to Teachers
Many teachers want their students to practice emotional engagement with the history of the Holocaust and therefore teach this history with the goal of fostering empathy. However, the resources in this collection, like any examination of the Holocaust, include historical descriptions and firsthand accounts that some students may find disturbing and need to be taught with intention and care. We recommend that you consider the following suggestions as you plan and implement your curriculum.
Inside This Collection
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