Zinzer - Week 6

"Those who kept silent yesterday all remain silent tomorrow." ~ Elie Wiesel

I completed my first week of teaching Night by Elie Wiesel.  Although the content is heavy and dark, the students did a nice job of whole discussion, small group activities, writing and analyzing artwork from the Holocaust.

One of my favorite lessons conducted this week was when we examined art created by Holocaust victims, explored its capacity to document diverse experiences including life inside the ghettos, the deportations and the myriad of experiences in the concentration camps. Students went from station to station examining the artwork and offering their feedback on what the story or the piece was trying to convey while taking notes on their discussions and observations. There were six pieces of artwork presented to the students. Standard 5 - Instructional Delivery is a good fit here. There was a lot of creative thinking. It was an opportunity for the students to walk around which I believe enhanced their learning. I didn't find anything that challenged my beliefs, but I was cognizant of the material being taught and the darkness and despair that is associated with the Holocaust, so I was attentive to the content because it is such a sensitive topic.
This week, I've leaned about my own teaching style. It's been a nice feeling to settle in and get to know myself in this capacity. I like an active classroom with engaging activities. I think my students appreciate moving around, small group discussions and some creativity added in to a lesson.  I have also learned that my students have enjoyed a change of pace with the variety of activities we've been taking part in throughout the week.  They are used to a lecture/discussion format in more of formal setting.  Standard 4 - Learning Environment fits here because there has been a lot engagement and some academic risk-taking because of the environment that the students have been accustomed to.

In the upcoming week, my hope is to keep creating and thinking of ways to teach Night in an attentive and sensitive way with the best possible impact on the students.  I will continue the importance of looking at this memoir through the lens of the victim, dehumanization and the importance of not remaining silent.  My goal next week is to incorporate group discussion opportunities in a meaningful and creative manner.

~Kirsten