The Craig and Barbara Weiner Holocaust Reflection Contest at FAU

How You Can Engage Your Students
Teachers play a vital role in guiding students through this powerful and transformative learning experience. Although the subject matter is profound and often difficult, many educators find that leading these reflections becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their teaching journey. Life is shaped by the choices we make. This contest engourages students to make thoughtful, positive decisitons as they move forward in life. By participating, you can help your students connect the lessons of the Holocaust to the challenges of today’s world – and empower them to build a more just and compassionate future.

• Introduce Holocaust Survivor Testimonies
  Begin by sharing Holocaust survivor testimonies to help students understand the human experience of the Holocaust, beyond historical facts.
  
  
• Help Students Choose a Meaningful Story
  Ask each student to select a single Holocaust survivor testimony that resonates with them.
  Students may also use the story of a family member who survived the Holocaust.
  This story will become the foundation for their reflection and project.
  
  
• Guide Reflection on Universal Lessons
  Encourage students to explore themes such as:
  

  o   Perseverance
  o   Compassion
  o   Kindness
  o   The strength of the human spirit in the face of injustice

• Encourage Deep, Personal Reflection
  Projects should go beyond simply recounting Holocaust events.
  Ask students:
  

  o   How does the survivor's story challenge or shape your thinking?
  o   What can we learn about humanity and ourselves through these testimonies?

• Guide Students in Creating an Original Project
  Each student will submit one original piece in one or more of the following categories:
  

  o   Written Expression: Essay or poem
  o   Digital Media: Video or automated presentation
  o   Visual Art: Artwork

  Projects should clearly show what the student learned about themselves and modern society by studying the survivor's testimony.

• Support the Creative Process
  Offer feedback and guidance as students draft and revise their work. Students produce stronger, more meaningful entries when teachers actively support and review their work.
  
  
• Use the Provided Resources
  

  o   Refer to the Teacher Checklist to stay organized
  o   Share the Student Checklist with your students to help them meet all requirements and prepare for submission

• Help with Online Submission
  Assist students with uploading their projects using the contest's online application.
  Students will include the teacher's name in each student's entry.
  If your student wins, you win too – teachers of winning students are recognized and celebrated!