May 2-8: Boxcar Simulation

This week was a busy one, and it included one of my favorite teaching moments of the year: the boxcar simulation during our Holocaust unit.

At school I have officially ended all my state and district testing, so I can go back to actually TEACHING! Yay. We are in the middle of reading a historical fiction book based on the Holocaust (it's called The Devil's Arithmetic). During our reading, I have activities, simulations, and discussions planned to enhance my students understanding and appreciation of what people experienced during the Holocaust. This week I did a boxcar simulation and recruited the help of my vice principal. My students were thoroughly confused/angry/scared as both I and the vice principal spoke harshly to them, took away their phones and electronics, forced them to move quickly into a line, and marched them into a small, darkened room. While squished in there, I took out a flashlight and read a section of our book that described the trip on the boxcar. Afterwards, we walked quietly back to the classroom and students were able to write about their feelings and reactions to this simulation. The discussion that emanates from this activity is always so powerful. 

While I am enjoying this unit, I can't deny that I am SOOO excited for school to be out. Only 19 more days of work and then I'm free for the summer! :)