Collective Memory and Oral TraditionRussian Collective Memory of World War II

Audience and Objectives

Ages: 14-18Level: Beginning - Intermediate – Advanced (L2s, HLs)

Objectives: To engage Heritage Learners and Russian Language Learners in the tradition of oral history and cultural/collective memory. Students will be able to:

Connect with family oral histories,Connect with community traditions,Expand knowledge of the Russian experience in World War II beyond historical facts.

A Call To Arms

Interview a Classmate

Make a Comparison

War-Related Vocabulary

Write Impressions

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2wUicWobgA

Waiting…

What we remember…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=518XP8prwZo

Ukraine’s Got Talent

May 9th – Red Square (video of celebration)

We remember our veterans.

May 9th – Anchorage, AK

День Победы

We Won!

Day 1

Theme: Collective Memory of WW II

Day 1 – Call to Arms: (collective memory = familiar visuals from the war)• Interview a classmate: Jigsaw and Comparison (Tarone).• HW: Wordle with war-related vocabulary. Choose words, type it up

in Wordle, print it off to share in class.• Jot down impressions from photo montage От героев былых

времён. (Stop and go OR play a few times).• Write well-developed paragraphs on impressions: Which images

seem to evoke a strong reaction? Explain your impressions. [45 – 90 mins.]

Day 2 - 4

Day 2-4 – The war’s impact on people: (collective memory = waiting)*

• Wordle on Жди меня.• See differentiated lesson plan.• [HW: HLs] Read poem Жди меня... with parents. • [HW: HLs] Reflect upon shared reading.• [HW: HLs] Interview a family member or family friend who recalls the war.• [HLs] Create visual which represents family’s history or experience with

WW II.• [HLs] Explain visuals chosen for collage, etc. [45 – 90 mins./class]

*Instructor will continue to differentiate for L2 learners. Continue to focus the theme on soviets being forced to wait for news, loved ones returning from the front.

Day 3 - 5

Day 3-5 – Sand Painting: (collective memory = sounds and visuals)

• View Sand Painting from “Ukraine’s Got Talent”.• Analyze photos of soldiers in combat: WW II (Red Army) and

Contemporary: Jigsaw and Comparison.• Optional Extension: Explore soldiers’ experiences Soviet and

American through social studies materials/collaborate with other disciplines: AP World, AP European History.

• Optional Extension: Research interviews with WW II veterans online.

• [45 – 90 mins./class]

Day 4 - 6

Day 4-6 – Victory Day - May 9th (The Community remembers…)

• View video of Victory Day celebration from Red Square.• Discussion: Why war is more harmful than helpful? Do you hold an opposing opinion?• Attend or mark a May 9th celebration in the community.

• DC Metro area• Anchorage• New York• Denver• Portland

• Congratulate veterans with a card (use appropriate etiquette, register) or poem. • Summative Assessment: Write reflective essay on your family’s preparation for Victory Day

and your meeting with a veteran of the war. 

[45 – 90 mins.]

Differentiated Lesson Plan

Differentiation for Songs - Poem FINAL.doc