The rest-room cleaners of the Lodz Ghetto

This activity includes a passage from Abraham Biderman's book, The World of My Past where Abraham describes the life of people in the Lodz Ghetto who have been punished by being allocated the responsibility of cleaning rest-rooms (toilets). The passage is rich in description and pathos. After reading the passage aloud, there are some comprehension questions, followed by an empathy activity where students need to imagine that they are spending the day with these unfortunates. A text type summary for narrative writing is provided. The outcome being examined is: HT5-6 - uses relevant evidence from sources to support historical narratives, explanations and analyses of the modern world and Australia. Students are also encouraged to develop Empathetic Understanding. These are outcomes from the NSW History K-10 Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.
Stage 5
Depth Study 6: The Holocaust