We Remember the Holocaust
Katie O'Malley

Current Events

Teacher of the Lesson: Katie O'Malley
Lesson Topic: Current Events
Grade Level: Fifth
Approximate Time: 10 to 15 minutes

Objectives:

1. Students will relate a current event by providing information on the five W's (who,what,where,when,&why) and how about how the article or television segment parallels issues surrounding the Holocaust .
2. Students will present (speak) their information in a loud and clear speaking voice.
3. Student will respond to the questions that his/her classmates pose regarding the topic that they spoke on.

Materials:

• library and classroom computers
• student write up

Procedures:
Introduction --

1. The week prior to our special current events session, inform the students the change in the agenda. Instead of taking any current event from the newspaper or television, they will focus on choosing events that parallel the issues at hand in the Holocaust unit.
2. Each student will have the opportunity, if they need it, to do some research on the internet. In shifts they will be given time to browse a selected group of web pages on the Holocaust and current paralleled events such as the actions and problems in Bosnia.

Sequence of Instruction --

1. Smoothly transition from Daily Oral Language to "Current Events" by calling on the first student on the list for the day while the D.O.L. papers are being passed up. Creating no room for a break in the program, allows no room for talking, either.
2. As the student stands to speak, remind them to speak clearly and loudly, especially if they tend to be a quiet person. It may be appropriate to create a situation for them to do this. For example, ask them to pretend like they are on the playground yelling across to Johnny on the other side.
3. As each student finishes, ask the class if they have any questions for the individual and then ask my own questions. Many times this will be to review one of the 5 W's that they might have missed in their speech.

Closure --

1. Once everyone has had a chance to go for that day, ask the students for any lasting comments. Direct the students into the next activity.

Evidence of Students Achieving the Objectives:

1. Students provide the 5 W's and How for the class regarding their topic.
2. & 3. Student will speak loudly and succinctly and answer all questions pertaining to their speech with an accuracy that supports the fact that they know what is going on in the larger community around them.

Adaptations or Reteaching Ideas:

1. There are many different conflicts in the world still going on today in which one group of individuals are being stereotyped and persecuted. Some examples include the conflict in Bosnia, Ireland, Israel, and so on.
2. The students are learning how to research a topic in their library instruction class. It may be helpful to ask the librarian to do a mini-lesson on ways to find information on other prejudice actions currently occurring that they could report.

Reflection:

It is important to me, as in all other lessons, that the students take this assignment seriously. I believe that if the teacher shows an attitude of interest, enthusiasm, and models an appropriate example , then this can happen.