Holocuast Resources for Teachers

Florida’s Teaching Trunk Program

I was recently in St. Petersburg, Florida and had the opportunity to the visit the Florida Holocaust Museum. The displays tell in a graphic manner the horrific story of the Holocaust in a uniquely understandable way. They were a number of interactive sites as well as artifacts and video testimony of Holocaust survivors. The third floor of the museum is home to a comprehensive resources center with many books and materials. This museum has been accredited by the American Association of Museums, which is quite an accomplishment.

But perhaps the most creative and unique program at the museum was the “Teaching Trunks” initiative. In response to the statewide mandate to teach Holocaust education in the public schools in Florida, the museum, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and Historical Resources has developed portable self contained trunks with age appropriate videos, picture books and reading material for students for all grade levels. Essentially the trunk contains a pre-packed teaching unit with all of the materials suitable for classroom use.

Here is the focus of each grade level.

Grades 1-2  Different and the Same. Materials include a video series with related literature on awareness, fairness, understanding, respect and tolerance education.

Grades 3-4   Creating Community.  Students examine the issues of immigration, prejudice, family, community and cultural identity.

Grade 5  Beginning Holocaust Studies.  At this grade level students learn the importance of learning from history including the socio-political and historical context. Material includes the books: The Night Crossing, Talking Walls, Jacob’s Rescue and Immigrant Kids.

Middle School- Investigating Human Behavior. The focus at this level is the choices that individuals made during the Holocaust. It looks at the bystander, perpetrator, victim and rescuer and how their lives and the lives of others were affected.

High School- Historical Perspectives of the Holocaust. Literature, posters and a focused study of the historical impact of the Holocaust.

For more information about the Teaching Trunk Program and how to obtain one for your classroom, you should contact Mr. Charles Jaynes, Teaching Trunk Coordinator at (727)-820-0100 ext 249.

You may also wish to access the museum’s web site at www.flholocaustmuseum.org

If your school or state has a similar program, please let us know.

c.2012 J. Margolis