FACT: A Guide to Choosing Holocaust Education Resources
Navigating the extensive world of Holocaust education resources can be overwhelming. There are so many organizations that offer educational materials, books, films, interactive learning opportunities and visits for students. Sometimes a Holocaust education resource may seem engaging because it uses modern technology, immersive designs or graphic images that are specifically designed to engage students in a dramatic or novel way. While these may seem like a great way to capture students’ attention, use caution when bringing these novelty resources into your classroom (or when directing your students to these resources). If taught properly, the history of the Holocaust is both challenging and interesting enough to hold the attention of young people. So how can you determine which resources are best to use with your students?
We recommend using the acronym FACT when considering the appropriateness and quality of a resource for students in Canadian classrooms.
- First-Hand Account
- Age-Appropriate
- Canadian Connection
- True
Every resource offered by the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program fits the bill! However, when exploring other resources to use, applying these criteria will be helpful in selecting the best resource for your students. If the resource you are considering checks all of these boxes, chances are it is a great choice for students.
First-Hand Account
It’s important to choose a resource that includes an authentic first-person account. Students should be learning about the Holocaust from the perspective of a Jewish person who experienced it first-hand. This way, the information is in the words of the person who lived it, in the way they wanted to share it. The survivor’s authentic voice and honest retelling of their experiences are what creates space for deeper understanding. It humanizes large statistics, opens the door to developing historical empathy and creates pathways for connection.
Wondering if a resource is a first-hand account? Ask yourself these questions.
- Who created the resource?
- From whose perspective is the resource presented?
- Does the resource centre a survivor’s voice?
If the resource was created by someone who did not experience the Holocaust directly or if it does not centre survivor voice, consider selecting an alternate resource.
Age-Appropriate
When selecting a resource, you have to consider if the content is age-appropriate. The recommended age and method of teaching about the Holocaust vary depending on the country, so it’s important to make sure the resource aligns with Canadian standards. Even if a resource looks age-appropriate (e.g., a picture book about the Holocaust), it’s a good idea to assess the content for themes, images and subject matter that are beyond the developmental stage of your students.
In middle school classrooms, students can safely learn about themes such as hiding, escape, rescue and resistance. Learning should emphasize prewar Jewish life, humanity and resilience during the war and immigration and survivor contributions to Canada after the war. For more on what to teach in middle school classrooms, check out this blog post.
In addition to the themes covered in middle school, high school students can learn about the persecution of Jews during the war, conditions in the ghettos and camps, the mass killings of Jews and the dangers of ultranationalism and fascism.
Wondering if a resource is age-appropriate? Ask yourself these questions.
- What age is this resource recommended for? Does it align with Canadian standards?
- Which themes does this resource cover, and do these themes align with the developmental stage of my students?
- Does this resource include any graphic imagery or content?
Trust your gut. If it feels like the content is inappropriate for your students, consider selecting an alternate resource.
From The Hidden Package by Claire Baum.
Canadian Connection
Since we are educating students in Canada, it’s ideal that the resource you choose relates to Canadian history. Canadian students will always be more interested in a story that has a Canadian connection.
This association to Canada can look different depending on the survivor’s story. In some cases, the survivor may have immigrated to Canada, and in others they might have been liberated by Canadian troops. Some survivors may describe their life in Canada in detail, and others might only mention it briefly. To find a resource with a Canadian connection, you can contact the nearest Jewish or Holocaust organization, museum or community institution to inquire about local Jewish history and survivor stories that may be available to your students.
Wondering if a resource has a Canadian connection? Ask yourself these questions.
- Does the resource include any reference to Canada (e.g., the survivor was liberated by Canadian troops, they had family living in Canada or they immigrated here after the war)?
- Does the resource discuss Canada’s response to the situation for Jews in Europe before, during and after the Holocaust?
- Is there a connection to the region or province you are in?
If the resource does not include any Canadian connection, consider selecting an alternate resource.
True
Last, but certainly not least, the resources you use in your classroom must be historically accurate and credible. To ensure this, always select a resource from a credible institution and make sure it has undergone rigorous fact-checking, even if it is a first-hand account. Be cautious of historical fiction resources, which often include misinformation and historical inaccuracies.
Wondering if a resource is true? Ask yourself these questions.
- Is the institution that is providing the resource credible and reputable?
- Is the resource non-fiction or a first-hand account?
- Are all of the mentioned dates, people, places and timelines supported by documentation and research?
If the resource is not from a credible institution or has not been fact-checked to ensure historical accuracy, consider selecting an alternate resource.
Resources offered by the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program are all
- Authentic first-hand accounts, written by the survivors.
- Categorized by age recommendation (11+, 14+ and 16+) based on content and maturity level.
- Connected to Canada, as all our survivor authors moved to Canada at some point after the war.
- Meticulously fact-checked for accuracy by our editorial team.
- Free of charge for all students and teachers in Canada.
To explore the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program resources, visit our website. Questions? Email us anytime!