Curious George and the Holocaust: A Curious Connection
In this one-time class, leaners will explore the history and creation of a beloved children’s character, Curious George, discovering how the mischievous monkey “escaped” the Holocaust and made his way into the hearts of people worldwide.
Julie Mitchell, Ed.D.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(9)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Curious about Curious George? In this one-time class, learners will discover how one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature, “escaped” the Holocaust with his creators who fled Paris in 1940. Through a teacher-led slide presentation and brainstorming activities, we will gain an overview of the mischievous monkey’s creation and discover how the events of the time led to a harrowing journey to the United States. You are invited to bring a favorite Curious George item to briefly share with the class.
Learning Goals
By the end of class, learners will be able to…
• identify the creators of Curious George
• explain the inspiration for Curious George’s creation as a children’s book character
• recall significant World War II events that directly impacted the Reys’ experiences
• summarize events that occurred during the journey to safety
• describe short- and long-term effects of Curious George’s creation and publication
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class focuses on the creators of the Curious George book series and their escape from Paris during World War II. The class does not include graphic images or information about the time period; however, the overall context of war, the Holocaust, and refugees will be included during the lesson and ensuing discussions. All information will be presented at an age-appropriate level. Based on these factors, this course is intended for mature learners, ages 11-15, who have a specific interest in the events of this era. Families with younger children who are interested in this class are encouraged to contact me via Outschool.
Supply List
Learners will need paper and pencil for brainstorming activities.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Information for this class may be drawn from the following sources:
• Curiousgeorge.com
• The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey (book by Louise W. Borden)
• Monkey Business: The Adventures of Curious George’s Creators (documentary directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki)
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• University of Southern Mississippi’s de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, H.A. and Margret Rey Papers
• USC Shoah Foundation
• Yad Vashem
Joined March, 2023
5.0
9reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a social studies teacher with more than thirty years of experience, I have taught numerous units of study related to the Holocaust. These units have included a wide variety of activities that are approached with respect and professionalism, as well as carefully chosen and/or designed to be age-appropriate. To prepare for such lessons, I have received intensive training through attendance at numerous conferences and workshops including multiple offerings from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) and the Tennessee Holocaust Commission (THC). Through rigorous application processes, I have also been selected as a Teacher Fellow for both of the aforementioned organizations (USHMM in 2005-2006 and the THC from 2006—present). I have led educator workshops and served as a curriculum writer for the THC, assisting other teachers in understanding and learning the importance of appropriate pedagogical approaches to this topic. I am a recipient of the Belz-Lipman Holocaust Educator of the Year Award and I have further enhanced my knowledge of the Holocaust and World II through study tours to France, Germany, and Poland.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-10 learners per class
