The Holocaust and Critical Literacy

The Holocaust is a very important topic in not only our nations history, but
in the worlds history. So many people were affected by this major event from
World War II, but it is also something that doesnt have a lot of popularity in
elementary schools. The Holocaust is so much more than a thing that happened in
the 1940s. The Holocaust has brought up issues of racism, prejudice, and tolerance.
Integrating the Holocaust into critical literacy at a younger age can not only teach
students about this event, but also teach the students about issues that are
extremely relevant in todays society.
S.L. Kremer wrote an article about this subject where he mentioned, the
Holocaust is not given the treatment it deserves, students are not provided with
lessons from the Holocaust, and examples are not drawn upon to enhance
instructions (Kremer). A different article centers on a first grade classroom that
implemented critical literacy. After using the critical literacy aspects in her lesson,
the teacher was able to see differences in her students. She found that they were
more aware of social issues, her students seemed to get along better, and there were
differences in their writing and in their art (Leland). The implementation of the
Holocaust and critical literacy could help this positive change in younger students.
Some people are concerned with how graphic and intense the information of
the Holocaust is too much for children, and they are right. However, there are ways
to implement the Holocaust without actually exposing all of the gory details to the
students. Simply introducing the topic and getting simple facts out to the children
would help them grasp the social issues involved in it. One of the best books for
introducing the Holocaust is called Number the Stars. D. Russell says that, thought
literature, young people not only acquire exposure to the Nazi atrocities, they
achieve a measure of perspective on their meaning (Russell).
The first time I was introduced to the Holocaust, I was 12-years-old and in
the eighth grade. All of the facts were sprung on me at once and I wasnt able to
address the major social issues like I shouldve been able to. I didnt experience a lot
of critical literacy when I was younger, and I wish I had. I think it is important for
children to get a grasp for important issues sooner rather than later. Critical literacy
in general is something that should be more prominent in all literature lessons.
Critical literacy stimulates a childs mind and gets them thinking at a higher level.
There are more and more social issues that seem to be coming up these days and
children should be able to form their opinion and talk about it. Books are a great
way to introduce children to this. The Holocaust is such an important issue and
books are a great way to introduce different topics to them. Historical fiction for
children can give details, but not one that will scar a child at an early age.