Teaching Resources:

The following sample lesson plans are aimed at Year 9s to be used alongside our film, SURVIVOR (currently streaming in the UK on ITVX) and our book, ‘Chicken Soup under the tree’ (the first hand testimony of Ivor Perl BEM). They have been developed for us by the respected Jewish educator, broadcaster and Holocaust education specialist, Laurie Rosenberg. Additional classroom materials, lesson plans and downloadable resources to be added soon.

Sample Lesson 1: Key Moments in Ivor’s Testimony

Create a timeline of key moments and events in Ivor’s experience during the Holocaust.

Curriculum Areas

  • History
  • Literacy
  • Art and Design

Resources

  • Book and film

Sample Lesson 2: Ivor’s Family Tree

Create an illustrated version of Ivor’s family tree, using photos and illustrations to help you identify members of Ivor’s family.

Curriculum Areas

  • Literacy
  • Art and Design

Resources

  • Book and film

Sample Lesson 3: Ivor’s Journey

Using Google Maps, travel to Mako and identify Ivor’s home. Can you locate other places in Mako that were part of Ivor’s youth prior to 1944?
Create an illustrated map to show Ivor’s journey throughout the Shoah.

These journeys were by rail, can you work out whether it would be possible to replicate these journeys today and how long it might take?

Curriculum Areas

  • History
  • Literacy
  • Art and Design

Resources

  • Book and film

Sample Lesson 4: A Day in Ivor’s Life

Ivor described a day in his life when he was growing up; create a graphic to depict his day and then another to show your day.

Curriculum Areas

  • History
  • Literacy
  • Art and Design

Resources

  • Book and film

Sample Lesson 5: Visitors from the East

Look at the clip showing the visitors from Poland. They described the awful conditions in the ghettos and the treatment of Jews.

  • How were these visitors treated?
  • Why do you think Ivor’s family refused to believe what they were being told?
  • What does this episode tell us about bystanders and the danger of ignoring warning signs?

Curriculum Areas

  • History
  • PSHE
  • Literacy

Resources

  • Book and film

Sample Lesson 6: Bar Mitzvah and Identity

Ivor never had a Bar Mitzvah. In the film, he dreams of celebrating one while recovering in the hospital.

  • What does this sequence teach us about identity, belonging and memory?
  • Research how Jewish boys and girls celebrate their coming of age today.

Curriculum Areas

  • RE
  • History
  • Literacy

Resources

  • Book and film

Sample Lesson 7: Suitcase Activity

When deported from Mako, Ivor’s family were only allowed to take one suitcase.

  • What would you choose to take if you were forced to leave your home with only one suitcase?
  • Compare your choices with what Ivor’s family may have chosen.

Curriculum Areas

  • History
  • PSHE
  • Literacy

Resources

  • Book and film

Sample Lesson 8: Life After the War

Use the film to create an illustrated timeline showing Ivor’s life after liberation.
Include family, work, football, public speaking and receiving the British Empire Medal.

Curriculum Areas

  • History
  • Literacy
  • Art and Design

Resources

  • Book and film

Additional lesson plans, downloadable resources and classroom materials coming soon.