Despite the Nazis' efforts, there were many people who managed to survive the Holocaust. Their inspiring stories provide hope in contrast to such a tragic event in history. Ask students to research a survivor of the Holocaust and, in writing, tell his story. They may choose a famous survivor such as Eli Wiesel, or a lesser-known survivor living in your area. The writing should include general information about the survivor and tell his story in a prose writing format.
Poetry is one way students express themselves through writing. Teach students the various types of poems and their specific formats. Have them choose one style and ask them them to write a poem about the Holocaust using this format. Encourage students to be creative in this process and suggest writing from the perspective of someone in a concentration camp or a hero hiding a Jew from Nazis. Allow students to illustrate their poems and create a class book of poetry related to the Holocaust. Place this collection in your school's library.
Teach students about the Holocaust and life in a concentration camp. Ask your students to imagine what life must have been like living in the deplorable conditions and not knowing where members of your family were located. Have them write a letter to a family member from the perspective of someone living in a concentration camp. They should include information on their daily routines in the camp as well as their thoughts and feelings. Because of the sensitive nature of this assignment, have an open dialogue with students throughout the writing process.
Finish your Holocaust teaching unit and ask the students to write a reflective piece on the subject. The grade level of the children should dictate the length of the writing assignment. The piece should include at least three facts they learned during the study of the Holocaust as well as a general reflection of their thoughts and feelings. They should write about how their perceptions may have changed throughout the study of the Holocaust.