Handout

Classroom Experience Checklist

Directions: Check the box that best matches your experience as a student.

Part 1
As a student in a classroom, have you ever . . .

1. Shared an idea or question out loud? Yes No

2. Shared an idea or question that you thought might be unpopular or “stupid”? Yes No

3. Had an idea or answer to a question but decided not to share it? Yes No

4. Felt “put down” after sharing an idea or asking a question? Yes No

5. Felt smart or appreciated after sharing an idea or asking a question? Yes No

6. Asked for help in understanding something? Yes No

7. Been confused but have not asked for help? Yes No

8. Interrupted others when they have been speaking? Yes No

9. Been interrupted by others when you have been speaking? Yes No

10. Said something that you thought might have hurt someone’s feelings? Yes No

11. Thought of your classroom as a community? Yes No

Part 2
1. What do you think should happen in a classroom in order for the best learning to take place?

2. What can students do to support your learning and each other’s learning?

3. What can teachers do to support your learning?

10 TEACHING HOLOCAUST AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

 Handout

Sample Facing History

Classroom Expectations

• Listen with respect. Try to understand what someone is saying before rushing to judgment.

• Make comments using “I” statements.

• This class needs to be a place where we can take risks in the questions we ask, perspec-
tives we share, and connections we make. If you do not feel safe making a comment or
asking a question, write the thought in your journal. You can share the idea with your
teacher first and together come up with a safe way to share the idea with the class.

• If someone says something that hurts or offends you, do not attack the person.
Acknowledge that the comment—not the person—hurt your feelings and explain why.

• Share the talking time—provide room for others to speak.

• We all have a role in creating a space where people can share their ideas, their questions,
and their confusion honestly.

LESSON 1: INTRODUCING THE UNIT 11