ARCHIVE for HMD2011: Untold Stories
The case studies and related education resources for HMD2011, Untold Stories, have been archived. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is currently focusing on the theme for this year, Speak Up, Speak Out.
HMD 2011 English (Secondary)
Aim: To explore the use of poetry as a response to Untold Stories and to create new poems based on the St. Louis case study
Starter
Write the word ‘refugee’ on the board and ask everyone to write down how they would define it. Share and discuss some of the definitions and display the results of the feedback on the board. After the discussion ask how far the media might have influenced our definitions. Is the word refugee used in a positive or negative way?
Explain that refugees come from all walks of life. Teachers, doctors, lawyers, farmers, builders, children, parents and grandparents have all faced – and still face – discrimination and persecution. Refugees become homeless and stateless persons. Each has a unique life story but many individual narratives remain hidden. They are Untold Stories unless other people make an effort to listen to them, read them and find new ways to pass them on to a new audience.
Tell everyone that you are going to explore some Untold Stories so that more people will have a chance to respond to them. In order to do this, students will be challenged to create a special poem. First of all it is important for everyone to think about human emotions. To do this we need to concentrate on how people respond to changing circumstances.
You can download the complete lesson plan below. Please don’t forget to order our free Campaign Pack which will assist you in your activities for HMD 2011. The pack contains free posters, a film, advice and hand out material.
- English (Secondary) (PDF: 110207 KB)