Combined ESL III and Transitional Survey of Literature classes have been studying genocide throughout the world. Students are reading either Maus by Art Speiglman or Night by Elie Wiesel and are making connections between the Holocaust and other genocides in world history. Students have discussed the Eight Stages of Genocide as defined by the United Nations and are attempting to find these stages in their novels, which will be the focus of their cumulative IB task.
Students have thoroughly embraced both books and have become avid inquirers about the Holocaust and genocide. Because this is a split-level class, activities must be differentiated to meet student needs. Recently, students participated in a literature circle discussion about their books. Students volunteered for roles and were asked to lead discussions, find evidence in their books to answer questions, and write a summary of their reading.