| Lesson start ideas | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | History |
| What age group | Year or Grade 8 |
| What topic | World war 2 |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Begin the lesson by asking students to think about their grandparents or great-grandparents. Ask them if they have ever heard stories of what life was like during World War II from their family members.
Invite a guest speaker who has personal experience of living during World War II, such as a war veteran or someone who lived in an area affected by the war, to address the class. The speaker can describe their personal experiences and provide valuable insight for the students.
Alternatively, show a short video clip featuring a war veteran or historical footage that depicts life during World War II. This can be a powerful way to engage the students and make the topic more relevant.
Divide students into small groups and provide them with a list of individuals who lived through World War II, such as Holocaust survivors, soldiers, or civilians who experienced the war's impact.
In each group, assign each student to research one of the individuals on the list and write a short personal story about their experiences during World War II.
Next, have the students share their stories with each other, discussing their personal insights and reactions to what they learned.
Ask students how exploring personal stories of individuals who lived through World War II has deepened their understanding of the war and its impact on people's lives.
Discuss how gaining empathy for people impacted by the war can help students to better appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of individuals who lived during this era.
Encourage students to keep an open mind and to continue exploring personal stories from World War II as they learn more about history and its impact on our world today.