Under the guidance of Dr. Andrea Webb, Community Field Experience at UBC teacher candidates used our graphic narratives to create teaching materials for a variety of classrooms. Education that addresses trauma and human rights provides skills and strategies for students to develop an awareness of the value of diversity in a pluralistic society and encourages sensitivity to a diversity of positions. This educational approach connects with curricular priorities including historical thinking and global citizenship, and provides strategies for teachers to support students as they learn about topics such as genocide.
Each week, we will post a new reflection by students from the UBC CFE Program.
Reflection by Nathalie Zeoli
Based on the graphic novel But I live, I developed a mini unit for Social Studies teachers and their students on the Holocaust and human rights. I hope my materials help them slow down in their reading, look at details, reflect, share and discuss the long-term effects a catastrophe like the Holocaust forever carries for all human beings.
I hope the questions I suggest through the unit give readers an appreciation for the contrasted and nuanced colours, feelings, and ultimately experiences of Emmie’s life, who breathed death… but lived, who saw the darkest side of humanity, but has kept hope, love, and humour.
Readers will reflect on the invaluable gift narrative art brings to each of us, to humanity. Paying attention to details in the graphic storytelling will deepen their connection with Emmie and Barbara, and, a long time from now, they will remember how painful it is to remember the past, and, that not only we need to, but we must.