Recently I taught the book Night by Elie Wiesel to my 9th grade English Comp and Intro to Literature Class. I will say, I went into the unit with a little apprehension because it is a fairly heavy book albeit a slim and very readable piece. I was surprised at the reception I got from my students. Even my reluctant readers loved this book. They became very intrested in not only the memoris of a holocaust survivor but also the whole aspect of WWII and Hitler's strategy. We took a look at the Final Solution and also noted where things began breaking down for Hitler. I had planned only 2 weeks for the book but because of their interest it turned into 3.
I had some trouble figuring out how I would bring closure to the book when one of my students brought up in class discussion that they felt they had been through an "emotional roller coaster" (his words). That comment made me think I should probably address the emotion and create some acitivty for catharsis to end the book.
I gave each of the students a manila folders (old ones I wanted to recycle) and 5 pieces of different colored construction paper. I asked them to tear (no scissors) an object/shape/symbol of some "thing" to represent 5 emotions that they found powerful in the story. Once they chose the emotion they were going to represent and the symbol for that emotion I asked them to write a personal definition of the emotion and to show from the book where that emotion was seen.
This was a full day -- 45 minute -- inclass project and from it I received some amazing projects. They chose a variety of emotions to display and their understanding of the book was demonstrated beyond my expectations. Teaching this book was a huge success -- I too learned so much (which is usually my criteria for a good unit or lesson)
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