Holocaust Remberence day tomorrow

[Blandmum]

I don't want to get into the politics of this, if that is what you want please feel free to start another thread.

Tomorrow is Holocaust rememberance day and i am thinking of raising the issue with my year 7 form group. I am planning to discuss is in terms of 'For evil to triumph, all that is needed is for good man to do nothing', and link this into their own experiences, bullying etc etc. In other words, if someone is being hurt, we have to do something/ say something.

My only concern is that at 11 some parents would think them too young. Can I canvas opinion?

no of course its not too young

(don't understand the politics of holocast memorial day .. how can people be opposed .. but as you say another thread)

No I think this is a very positive thing to do. You can pitch it appropriately to their age groupl.

The parents who object will probably be the ones who have been letting their kids play Grand Theft Auto since they were 4.

the theme for this year is One Person Can Make A Difference

resources for teachers here .. in case you haven't seen it

I think this is a brilliant idea. I do remember a huge discussion about this last year which ld to rants of anti-semitism, racism etc. Do look at achives if you can (don't want to post links as don't want past raked up!)

I like the quote you are using, where does that come from?

Controversially you could link it to the Big Brother house and Pete Burns/George Galloway's bullying. PB's in particular. Rula said she was disgusted at herself for not standing up to him and said how everyone was scared!!

Anyway back to Holocaust Rememberence Day, do be careful how you reference this. I would use it to spark off a wider discussion, rather than a historical one IYKWIM

Thank you for that link Twiglett....very helpful

Cruncie, I'm keep to make it relevany to now, rather than historical. I have a picture of Anne Frank....taken when she was only a little older than my class, not bring it home to them. The Quote is by Edmund Burke. Another vy Einstien, 'The world is too dangerous to live in-not because of the people who do evil, but because of the people who sit and let it happen'.

I'm keen to do this as we have had a spate of nasty bullying, which other children, while aware of it, have not reported it.

I don't think it's too young either.

I distinctly remember listening to my headteacher read us the poem, 'First they came for the jews...' I was in primary school and that poem still affects me....

I think as long as you keep the actual Holocaust/political component fairly light and put the main emphasis on the concept, it's a great idea. It's a brilliant opportunity for them to have proper debate and really challenge themselves and each other. I think that's what kids SHOULD be doing at school at that age. I would keep the Holocaust itself very much in the background, though, personally - just use it as a hook to hang the wider concept on. There's nothing wrong with that IMO.

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller

Think thats a fab poem

and I think that you are doing the right thinbg

At risk of getting all three of my heads bitten off.......

I think that's a bit strong for eleven year olds. I would leave that until they are a bit older and keep it all very general for now.

Just my opinion

My plan is that the historical facts are the hook to hang the 'message' of looking out for one another, speaking out against injustice, bullying etc

The link Twiglet gave me has given me a great prayer from Africa

'Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness:
Life is stronger than death;
Victory belongs to those who show love.

That is beautiful. IMO that's the message to be giving them. They don't need the gory details just yet.

Ooh Kalex I remember that poem, It's great. I don't think it is too strong for an 11 year old TBH, it is the concept that no-one spoke up until there was no-one left.