Painted Words: Teaching the Holocaust Through the Art of Sam Bak, Child Survivor

Organization: JFCS Holocaust Center
Common Core Domain: English Language Arts, English Language Arts/Literacy, History-Social Science, Reading, Visual Arts: Responding, Visual Arts: Connecting
Grade Level: Grades 9-12. Can be adapted for 7-8
Duration: 60-120 Minutes
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.9 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.9 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.9 HSS-10.8 HSS-10.8.5 VA:Re7.1, 2 VA:Re8.1 VA:Cn10.1 VA:Cn11.1

In this lesson, students explore the Holocaust through the life and artwork of Samuel Bak, a child survivor from Vilna, Lithuania. By analyzing visual art alongside historical context, students deepen their understanding of memory, trauma, and identity. The lesson emphasizes critical thinking, emotional reflection, and visual literacy while highlighting the resilience of children during wartime.

Related Events: