Extended Closure

Digital Enrichment Unit: Fighting Intolerance

During the weeks of the school closure, I will be uploading activities related to the novel Night, written by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. It is highly recommended that you read through and complete each activity outlined in this digital enrichment unit. There will be opportunities for you to share your work with me and your peers, but your assignments will not be scored or appear in your Skyward grade calculation.

When we return to school, I will reference or reuse some of the material, and you’ll have the option of including any of it in the next official unit, in which you will be working to synthesize the variety of works we have read throughout this course. For the few who may not be able to complete this, I will not rely on this as foundational knowledge when we return to school without giving you an opportunity to catch up.

Reflection: Personal Responsibility (4/10)

Now that you have read Night, you will extend your thinking about the work's relevance today.

First, access this link. You will see a short reading passage about German theologian and pastor Martin Niemöller, followed by questions about his famous quote.

Next, you will be guided to borrow the structure of his quote to advocate for a societal issue you care about. This issue must be current, but can be local, worldwide, or anything for which you can make a compelling plea. Feel free to get creative and use images in your response. When you finish, take a screenshot/photo or scan of your work and add it to this presentation.

I'll be reviewing the presentation today, and turning off editing privileges next week.

Night: Chapters 7, 8 & 9 (4/9)

Today, you should finish through chapter 9 of Night (through page 115 on the PDF). While you read, add entries to your readers' response journal for the quotes that stand out to you.

After you finish, reflect on the title. Record some notes for yourself about any other meanings or connections the title may have.

Also, access the Macbeth quiz drop form under the "assignments" tab to select which Macbeth quiz you would like to have marked no count towards your grade.

Night: Chapter 5 & 6 (4/8)

Today, you should read chapters 5 and 6 of Night (through page 97 on the PDF).

While you read, add entries to your readers' response journal for the quotes that stand out to you.

Night: Chapter 4 and The Perils of Indifference (4/6 - 4/7)

First, ensure that you've completed the Padlet (linked below) with a thorough and complete response.

Next, read chapter 4 of Night (through page 65 on the PDF). While you read, add entries to your readers' response journal for the quotes that stand out to you.

Then, follow along with these slides to respond and reflect on chapter 4, the Padlet and Elie Wiesel's 1999 speech, "The Perils of Indifference."

Night: Chapters 2 & 3 (4/2 - 4/3)

Read chapters 2 & 3 of Night (though page 46 on the PDF). While you read, add entries to your readers' response journal for quotes that stand out to you.

After you read these chapters, read the poem "No Man is an Island."

When you finish the poem, respond to the following two questions on digital or paper notes:

1. How do lines 8-9 contribute to the meaning of the poem overall?
2. What connections do you see between this poem and chapters 1-3 of Night?

Next, review this slideshow about the Not in Our Town movement and context for the short documentary called “Waking in Oak Creek.” Then, complete the Oak Creek notes assignment, before answering the After Viewing Questions.

Task: Review our essential questions and the critical lenses through which we can read Night. Select ONE essential question, and post your response to the question on our class Padlet here. Your response should be at least five sentences long, and should include direct references to the first three chapters of Night and the Oak Creek video. You should post this response by Monday, April 6th.

You must include your full name on your Padlet response, as well as the essential question to which you are responding.

Night: Foreward & Chapter 1 (3/31-4/1)

Now, you will begin reading Night.

Before you begin, you should use the document linked below to read two prefaces and a foreward about the book. Journal your reactions as you read, and respond to the questions posed for each read.

• Night prefaces & foreward

Next, read Chapter 1 (through page 22 on the PDF). Add notes to your reader's response journal while you read. (Remember, your responses in your journals are for you to reflect on language and ideas as they affect you. You are not necessarily making larger connections just yet.)

Later this week, you will be asked to share insights about how the first chapters of Night relate to these essential questions.

Psychology Connection (3/30)

Once you've connected your slideshow for historical background (see below), delve into the psychology behind the essential questions we will encounter when we begin reading Night.

TASK: On 3/30, access the article and video linked below. While you read and watch, add notes to you reader's response journal. Then, draft a thorough response to part three.

Start Here: Psychology Connection: Guided Questions and Reflections

Links:

• Article: "Why Do People Blame the Victim?"
• Lecture: "Why Good People Do Bad Things..."

When you finish, read and respond to the Night pre-reading questions. Save these responses somewhere so that you can reflect on them when we've finished reading.

Historical Background Activities (3/26 & 3/27)

Before we begin to read, we will gather background knowledge on WWII, the Holocaust, and Tolerance. TASK: Take 3/26 and 3/27 to familiarize yourself with the following historical information. While you access these resources, make entries into your own reader's response journal. (See here for access to digital template.)

1. Start HERE with the linked documents and note-taking suggestions.
2. Check out the many digital resources offered through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
3. Hear stories from Jews that tried to escape from Europe.

TASK: After accessing the resources above, create a slideshow presentation demonstrating your understanding of and interest in WWII and the Holocaust. Focus on the details you feel no one should ever forget - ideas that are essential for promoting understanding and empathy. Adding images, videos, and sound clips is encouraged.

• Link your presentation HERE. (I will be giving digital feedback on Monday, 3/30.)

Macbeth: Wrap Up and Reflection (3/23)

• Finish reading your copy of Macbeth
• Tragic Hero review - Macbeth

Review the slides above. Then, journal your thoughts about whether or not Macbeth fits the role of a tragic hero.

• Theme Review

Complete the theme responses linked above.

• Review your beliefs in the Macbeth: Pre Reading Guide

Would you change any of your responses after reading Macbeth? If not, would you rephrase any of your responses after finishing Macbeth?

Bored of social distancing? Here's a Macbeth crossword to occupy your brain!