RESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOL EDUCATORS
Trusted Holocaust education resources for meaningful homeschool learning.
We are here to support our homeschool communities.
Teaching the complex history of the Holocaust can feel intimidating. You might be thinking the following thoughts:
- Where do I even begin?
- What terminology should I be using? What images should I be showing?
- What should I not do?
- How can I ensure I am honoring the lives lost?
- How can I make the Holocaust relevant to my students’ worlds today?
- and so much more
We understand that you are responsible for so much content and learning as a homeschool educator, and we want to help you feel confident in your teaching of this specific history. You can email katie.cunningham@stangreensponcenter.org at any time with questions. We are also able to deliver lessons to your students via Zoom or in person, if you can gather several families or groups at once.
Where to Begin
1. Consider the age appropriateness of the topic.
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- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum states that the teaching of the Holocaust is best placed in grade six and above. However, Echoes and Reflections offers a framework and guidance for grades 3-6.
2. Review guidelines and principles for effective and safe Holocaust instruction.
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- USHMM Guidelines for Teaching About the Holocaust
- Echoes and Reflections Pedagogical Principles for Effective Holocaust Instruction
- Echoes & Reflections grades 3-6 framework and guidance
- Visit our Teaching Through Testimony Educational Resources page for resources specific to using witness testimony in your classroom. iWitness has also released new guidance for primary grades: Guiding Principles for the Primary Classroom.
3. Determine your "why." Holocaust education can serve many purposes. What are you hoping for your students to gain from this unit?
4. Prepare yourself as an educator.
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- USHMM Training Videos for Educators
- Echoes and Reflections Educator Video Toolbox
- Echoes and Reflections Audio Glossary
- Echoes and Reflections Students’ Toughest Questions
- USHMM Frequently Asked Questions about the Holocaust for Educators
- Echoes and Reflections Online Courses
- Echoes and Reflections Webinar Recordings
5. Ground your instruction in historical context.
While we often choose to learn about the Holocaust through literature, the learning must go beyond what the story shares.
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- Utilize the USHMM Learning Site for Students
- Teach how the Nazis rose to power: The Path to Nazi Genocide
- Have your student research about specific events, people, legislation, etc.: USHMM Holocaust Encyclopedia
- Use the Echoes and Reflections lesson plans, grouped by theme.
- Give your students the opportunity to engage with survivor testimony
6. Consider expanding your study to go beyond the events of 1933-1945.
In order to be strong allies of the Jewish people today, students must not only learn about the Jewish people as victims, but also understand how antisemitism operates.
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- Teach about the Jewish people, Judaism, and Jewish identity.
- Teach about the history of antisemitism and its contemporary realities.
- Teach about the aftermath of the Holocaust.
- Teach about Israel.
Additional Resources
- ADL Comprehensive Toolkit to help evaluate the content and materials used to explore Jewish identity, Israel, antisemitism, and the Holocaust in classrooms.
- USHMM Ask a Museum Educator
Greenspon Center Certification in Holocaust Pedagogy
The Greenspon Center offers a yearly certification program in Holocaust pedagogy. If you oversee at least 20 students per year, you could qualify as a homeschool educator. Visit our Certification in Holocaust Pedagogy page to learn more about the program and how to apply.
