The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Novel Study Unit

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a must-read for those seeking to understand the Holocaust under the German Nazi regime and leadership of Adolf Hitler, the Fuhrer, or “Leader.” The story is not one to “lay out the facts”; rather it is a story told by an innocent German boy who knew nothing of the horrors and cruelty taking place around him. Those unfamiliar with the Holocaust may not understand what is going on and may not be able to make connections. . . . like innocent Bruno who could not even conceive of such things happening.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas takes place in Poland at the concentration/death camp known as Auschwitz, which is located close to the city of Krakow, during the German Nazi occupation of that country. It is heart-wrenching to address the things which happened during this time. It was and remains a sad and tragic time in history. Efforts have been made to refrain from sensationalizing the topic, but difficult truths cannot be “sugar-coated.”

The product includes Vocabulary and Questions Sets for each chapter and includes Answer Keys. It also includes links for suggested online videos and websites. There are some mapping activities, suggested research topics and possible products for reporting, and a number of composition/writing prompts designed to make your students think.

Depending on the age of your students and their background knowledge, they may not know the answers to many of the questions presented in this study which is about the Holocaust. Many questions require students to make inferences, comparisons, and evaluations. You will need to decide whether to use them for independent student responses or as a tool to open discussion, research, and study. In most cases, students will need assistance through research, videos, etc., to better understand the World War II setting and the Holocaust. Included are many links to videos and websites that may prove helpful.

I have included this product as both a PDF, as well as a PowerPoint presentation. That way you can either make copies, project it, and/or edit it as needed.

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The resources are designed to enrich or supplement your current curriculum.

I have also uploaded a BUNDLE that includes this product AND a PowerPoint presentation that provides some background information about the Holocaust in Poland, where the novel story takes place. So, you have some options!

BUNDLE! The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Novel Study and Background PowerPoint

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Background PowerPoint Only

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