What was it like to grow up in a shtetl? In this lesson students will learn about Jewish life during the 19th century in a rural and religious town surrounded by a hostile population that periodically brings violence against them. Thought provoking discussion questions and creative activities such as a think pair share exercise and a follow up debate on the pros and cons of shtetl life are included in this resource.
The learners will:
understand how anti semitism and poverty can have both negative and positive impact on the vibrancy of a community
know how and why Jews came to live in shtetls where non-Jewish rulers could do as they pleased with Jewish residents in their lands
be able to argue for and against living in a shtetl
Unpacked for Educators materials include:
An educator’s guide that contains many rich components. These are organized under the following titles:
review (questions that relate to the video)
discussion
activities
reflection
further learning
A video designed to spark interest in the topic.
A lesson plan (link in the attachment above) that incorporates additional building blocks for the construction of an engaging and interactive lesson.
Computer, Projector, Student Handout , Whiteboard, Exit ticket
The website link includes a “further learning” section in the educator’s guide.