Holocaust AND Genocide Student Workshops
FSWC has developed a series of programs that provide elementary and high school teachers with knowledge of historical and contemporary issues of racism, antisemitism and other forms of hate, along with tools to help them address these topics in their classrooms.
Simon’s Story: Unboxing Prejudice
Suitable for Grades 4-6
What does it mean to be a hero? What kind of actions are considered heroic? Characteristics such as integrity, courage and responsibility are investigated through real people who rose to the occasion and refused to look away. This workshop encourages an introspective look at defining the attributes of a hero and how each of us has the power to initiate positive change in our lives.
Digital Citizenship
Suitable for Grades 4-6
The internet’s impact is both positive and negative. On one hand, it functions as a forum for knowledge, creativity, progress and social change. On the other, it can also be a toxic channel that spreads all forms of hatred and intolerance. This workshop shines a light on issues such as cyberbullying, digital hate and the real-life consequences of these increasingly dangerous and growing trends along with the responsibilities that accompany citizenship in the virtual world.
Media Literacy Pt. 1: Navigating the Misinformation Age
Suitable for Grades 7-9
In the 21st century, misinformation online is causing complex societal problems. In the fight against misinformation, Canadian students need to practice critical thinking as they navigate the world online. Together, we will review key concepts related to media and bias and reflect on the impact that innovative AI technologies are having on our perception of truth and reality. We will discuss media literacy strategies in the fight against ‘fake news’ and provide resources for students to carry their learning forward.
Media Literacy Pt. 2: Hate and Extremism Online
Suitable for Grades 7-9
Intolerance and extremism are not artifacts of the past; they have evolved and flourished in tandem with digital spaces in the 21st century. There is now an overwhelming body of evidence that shows social media and other interactive technologies have increasingly become the breeding ground for misinformation and hate speech in Canadian society, with real world consequences. In this workshop, students will gain awareness about the normalization of hate in the online spaces they occupy and develop strategies for fostering critical thinking and positive online behaviour. Participants will leave with the knowledge that what we say and do online matters, and discuss strategies for promoting digital citizenship and positive real-world action.
Lessons and Legacies of the Holocaust
Suitable for Grades 6-12
The Holocaust is not just a Jewish tragedy, but a human tragedy of epic proportion with far-reaching lessons for the entire world. This workshop explores the history of the Holocaust and the attitudes and social forces that enabled Nazi Germany and its collaborators to carry out the near-extermination of European Jews.
Roots of Hate and Intolerance
Suitable for Grades 6-12
Canada, often described as a diverse cultural mosaic, is not free from hatred and intolerance. Examining racism, antisemitism and other forms of prejudice, this workshop shows how these issues impact students and their communities. Examples of historical and contemporary hate are used to heighten awareness and promote dialogue and positive action within the school and community.
Propaganda and The Second World War
Suitable for Grades 6-12
Throughout the Holocaust and World War II, powerful forms of propaganda were used to persuade and coerce populations. This workshop looks at a wide range of imagery, media content and styles of propaganda from this historical time period while discussing bias and misinformation and relating it to messages in today’s media.
Learning About the Holocaust Through Heroism
Suitable for Grades 6-12
How can we learn about the Holocaust in a way that helps us understand courage, empathy, and the importance of standing up for others? This program introduces students to the incredible stories of people who showed bravery and humanity during one of the darkest times in history. Through the lives of Oskar Schindler, Fania Fainer & Zlatka Pitluk, Gino Bartali, Janusz Korczak, Irena Sendler, and the Bielski Brothers, students will discover how ordinary individuals made extraordinary choices to help others. From saving lives in secret, to protecting children, to resisting oppression, these heroes remind us that even in the worst of times, people can choose kindness, sacrifice, and courage. Students will be encouraged to think about the impact of individual choices and to reflect on how the lessons of these heroes can inspire us today to act with compassion and moral responsibility.
Voices of History: A Holocaust Survivor Speaks
Suitable for Grades 6-12
Hearing from a Holocaust survivor or a descendant provides a poignant, personal insight into the human cost of unchecked hatred. Participants gain an empathetic and informed understanding of the Jewish experience during the Holocaust, becoming witnesses to this dark chapter of history and enhancing their knowledge for teaching about it.
Ever Again: An Introduction to Antisemitism
Suitable for Grades 7-12
Students will build a base of understanding about antisemitism, a shape-shifting form of hate that has targeted and negatively impacted Jewish individuals and communities since ancient times. Moving beyond the Holocaust, participants will learn about the broader and often tragic role that this form of intolerance has played in shaping Jewish experiences, history, and identity. Students will unpack key antisemitic tropes and stereotypes that have persisted over time. They will also learn about antisemitism in the 21st century, with special attention given to the role of social media and digital spaces in driving real-world hate. This program will also encourage allyship in the face of anti-Jewish hate, with emphasis on inclusivity of Jewish voices and the importance of embracing opportunities for intercommunity dialogue.
The Nazi Genocide of European Roma and Sinti People: An Introduction
Suitable for Grades 7-12
The Holocaust wasn’t just a Jewish tragedy, but a human tragedy. This workshop is dedicated to understanding the experiences of the Romani and Sinti Peoples, one of the key ethnic groups targeted with genocide by the Nazis during the Second World War. This program will provide students with answers to the following questions: Who are the Romani People? What were their experiences under the racial policies of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime? Why have these victims often been silenced and marginalized in histories of this period?
Genocide Case Study: The Holocaust and Rwanda
Suitable for Grades 9-12
Genocide is defined and investigated through Gregory Stanton’s 10 Stages of Genocide theoretical framework. Both the genocidal process along with the preventative measures are examined in two historical case studies to allow students to build an understanding of where theory intersects with reality.
Exploring Auschwitz: A Learning Experience for High School Students
Suitable for Grades 9-12
Step into history and uncover the significance of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and death camp, in this immersive learning experience for high school students. Designed for Grades 10 and up, this program examines Auschwitz’s role in the Holocaust, its historical context, and the personal stories of those who endured its horrors. Through engagement with primary sources, survivor testimonies, and expert-led discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of this complex history. This experience encourages critical thinking, empathy, and meaningful reflection on the consequences of hatred and intolerance.
Equity and Diversity Student Workshops
Designed for elementary and high school students and supporting lessons their teachers deliver every day in their own classrooms, FSWC’s education programs provide engaging learning opportunities that confront hatred and intolerance. Based on the Equity and Inclusivity Strategy our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion workshops address Ontario Ministry of Education expectations while generating lively discussions that challenge perspectives and offer greater understanding of often difficult subjects.
In Canada’s increasingly diverse society, it’s imperative that people understand and appreciate the intersectionality of identity and recognize the importance of acceptance, respect and inclusion. FSWC education and diversity workshops provide the relevant knowledge and resources to help students of all backgrounds feel comfortable to exhibit their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, family status and any other part of their identity without judgment or harassment from others.
FSWC’s experienced and specially trained education team conducts a range of workshops in person and online for student groups across Canada. While each workshop has a specific focus, they all strive to foster a more positive and open-minded attitude in schools and everyday life by helping young people to better understand and respect the diversity of others. The goal of the programming is to teach about historical events while making real-world, contemporary connections and empowering youth to create positive change in their homes, schools and communities.
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