Our middle school students were empowered to “pray with their legs” and speak out against injustices they encounter with Dr. Mitzmacher sharing the recent example of the young adult who, with the power of an email, was able to persuade the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to official update the definition of “racism”.
Category: Grade 8 – Mr. Washerstein
Grade 8: Holocaust Test (Monday, May 25nd, 2020)
This week we wrapped up our Holocaust unit. As a class, we decided that we will be taking an online assessment using Google Forms on Monday, May 25th. This assessment will be a mixture of multiple choice questions, matching, definitions, and short answers. Students should begin to review their notes daily.
If anyone is missing notes, our entire Google Slides notes presentation can be found here: Holocaust Notes Presentation
Students can begin to prepare for their assessment by making a copy and completing the study guide below:
Click the link below to access a review Kahoot:
Grades 6-8: Virtual Conversation with Holocaust Survivor Irene Zisblatt
Yesterday we watched a live stream of the Yom HaShoah ceremony that took place in Israel. Today the middle school students had a unique opportunity to chat with Holocaust survivor Irene Zisblatt via Google Meet. She shared her unimaginable story and distinctive perspective about hatred, faith, and the Holocaust. We are incredibly appreciative that Irene was able to take the time to spend a few hours with our students. I shared with the students that we are all truly lucky to be able to interact with a Holocaust survivor, as this opportunity will not be afforded to the next generation of individuals. We have the responsibility to never forget these atrocities and to retell their stories.
Click here to watch the our Google Meet conversation with Irene:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jpW6-GA7jNX5yrk5tE_J4mFz_9S6VMYI/view
Grade 8: Let My Students Go…To Class!
As we approach Pesach, we will spend the week in Jewish Studies focusing on the modern meaning of the Haggadah. Students have been put into groups and asked to create new lyrics to three classic Passover songs. You will have the opportunity to work on this assignment Dr. Marcovitz and Mr. Washerstein’s Jewish Studies classes.
Click here to find out more about this assignment: Modernize that Passover Tune Assignment Details
Process:
Step 1: Read the English translation of your song
Step 2: Think about how you can change the words/add content that relates to 2020
Step 3: Rewrite your song
Groups
- Max, Ari, Lior (Dayenu)
- Jessie, Zoe, Aidan (Echad Mi Yodea)
- Talia, Jayson, Kiera (Chad Gad Yah)
Due date: Each song must be submitted by the end of class on Friday, April 3rd. Please share your lyrics with Dr. Marcovitz and Mr. Washerstein via Google Doc.
Check out the videos below to get in the musical spirit!
Grade 8: Escape from Sobibor (Questions Due: 4/25)
This week we are shifting our focus in Jewish Studies to various resistance attempts that were made by both Jews and gentiles during the Holocaust. Students will be watching, analyzing, and discussing the film, Escape from Sobibor. This film depicts the largest escape from an extermination camp during the Holocaust.
Please read the corresponding questions prior to watching the film. Students will be asked to jot down notes as they watch. By taking notes, students will be able to more accurately recall details as they answer the critical analysis questions.
We will set a due date for these questions upon completing the movie.
Please click the link below to access the Escape from Sobibor Questions:
Escape from Sobibor Critical Thinking Questions
These questions must be submitted by Friday, April 24th, 2020.
Please skip the scene at 45:40. This scene contains graphic content and will be skipped in class as well.
The movie can be watched via Youtube on the link below or on Amazon Prime (for those who have access). If you decide to watch on Prime, please make sure you choose the Escape from Sobibor 1987 film.
Grade 8: Holocaust Survivor Interview (Due: Monday 3/23)
We will continue to learn about the Holocaust in our Jewish Studies course. We are currently learning about the various camps (labour, concentration, transit, extermination) that were set up by the Nazis. You will be be watching and learning about Lydia’s story by accessing an online interview. We will discuss her story and your reactions during our next live session together.
Please click the link below to access the Google Doc that contains the response questions:
Lydia’s Story: Reflect and Respond
Grade 8: Reflect Upon a Survivor’s Story (Due: Friday 3/13)
Today students will read and reflect upon the story of a Holocaust Survivor. The website Holocaust Survivor Stories provides students with various personal narratives of survivors.
Directions: Students will choose a survivor’s narrative to read. After reading their story, students will answer the following reflection questions. Answer the questions in complete sentences.
- What feelings did this narrative elicit? (Explain the thoughts or emotions you felt while reading this story)
- Could you connect any of the experiences you read about to your own life? Did you feel any connection to the narrator?
- What lessons can you learn from this narrative?
- How could you use this story to educate others?
- What part of the story did you find most intriguing? Why?
*Students are encouraged to read multiple stories in order to determine which narrative speaks to them personally*
Grade 8: Current Event (Due: Friday 2/28)
Directions: Find an article either in the newspaper or online from a newspaper source. Examples include: CBC News, USA Today, CTV News, Associated Press, The New York Times, Ynetnews Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Times of Israel, etc., or any other reputable national or local source. Read the article and fill out the statements or answer the questions below.
Please find and read about important issues that you will be able to relate to our course regarding Anti-Semitism
Because this is a current events assignment you are to choose an article that is no more than two weeks old from when the assignment is given.
Be prepared to discuss your article in class on the due date!
Grade 8: Canada’s Former Determination to Keep Jews Out
Today we will be discussing the horrific narrative of the MS St. Louis. We watched an incredible documentary that provided our class with testimonies from historians and survivors who experienced this infamous event firsthand. Students are being asked to read and respond to the article attached below.
Grades 6-8: Israeli Inventions with Shai
Today the middle school students learned about Israeli inventions with our shinshin Shai! They discussed the various narratives behind some of the most important Israeli inventions. The students learned about Waze, Pillcams, USB, the Iron Dome, and Krembo Wings.
Students used this interactive website to record their responses : https://www.mentimeter.com/features
Shai emphasized the idea that inventors and innovators are each unique in their own way. Each class participated in an activity that focused on utilizing their creativity and resourcefulness. Students were tasked with taking an everyday object and thinking about how they could repurpose those objects. Maybe the next greatest invention will be created in our very own OJCS Makerspace!