Diaries written in hiding

Students read excerpts from the diaries of young people from the Holocaust era and talk about their everyday lives.

Steps

1. Brief introduction: what the Holocaust was and why January 27 is the day of remembrance.
2. Students in groups read excerpts from diaries (e.g. Rutka Laskier's or Dawid Sierakowiak's).
3. Each group writes down what the author wrote about besides the war: school, friendship, dreams.
4. Together we wonder what these notes tell us today.

Tip: Materials and lesson plans for schools are provided by the POLIN Museum and the Auschwitz Museum.

Materials needed

• Rutka Laskier's Diary (1 copy)