Today, we are learning about a very difficult but important part of history. We will look at how Eliezer's life changed the moment he arrived at the camp.
💡 Tip: Hover your mouse over paragraphs to highlight them. Click on words with dotted underlines to see their definition!
🧩 Module 1: Vocabulary Builder
Instructions: Drag the word from the blue box to the correct definition outline.
Selection
Barracks
Crematorium
Kapo
Concentration Camp
Humanity
The process of choosing who lives to work and who is killed.
Plain, crowded wooden buildings where the prisoners slept.
A building with a large furnace or oven.
A prisoner forced to be in charge of other prisoners.
A harsh prison camp where people are held without basic rights.
Being a person; having a name, feelings, and family.
🔍 Module 2: The Loss of Identity
Instructions: Tap each card to flip it over and see how Eliezer and his father survived their arrival.
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The Separation
The Separation: Men to the left, women to the right. This is the last time Eliezer sees his mom and sister, Tzipora. Families were torn apart in seconds.
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The Secret Lie
The Secret Lie: A prisoner tells Eliezer (15) and his dad (50) to lie and say they are 18 and 40. This lie saves them because it makes them look strong enough to work.
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Losing Their Looks
Losing Their Looks: All prisoners have their heads shaved and their clothes taken. This was done to make everyone look the same and take away what made them special.
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A-7713
A-7713: Eliezer's name is taken away. A number (A-7713) is tattooed on his left arm. He is no longer called a boy; he is called a number.
🎭 Module 3: Faces in the Crowd
Instructions: Chapter 3 introduces us to several important characters. Tap the cards to reveal who they are!
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Dr. Mengele
Dr. Mengele: An SS officer and terrible doctor who holds the baton during "selections." He decides who goes to the crematorium and who goes to work.
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Stein of Antwerp
Stein of Antwerp: A relative of Eliezer's family. Eliezer lies and tells Stein his family is alive and well to give him hope, showing Eliezer still has compassion.
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Bela Katz
Bela Katz: A strong prisoner from Eliezer's hometown. He was forced into the Sonderkommando and had to put his own father's body into the furnace.
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Akiba Drumer
Akiba Drumer: A very religious man who sings Hasidic melodies and tries to convince the others that God is just testing them.
🧠 Module 4: Comprehension Questions
Answer each question. Your responses are automatically saved. Use the microphone to dictate!
1. How does Eliezer adapt to camp life in Chapter 3?
💡 Hint: Consider staying invisible and avoiding authority.
2. Describe the camp's hierarchy. Who holds power?
💡 Hint: Think about block leaders and Kapos.
3. What triggers Eliezer's crisis of faith in Chapter 3?
💡 Hint: Consider his reaction to witnessing suffering.
4. How does hunger affect the prisoners?
💡 Hint: Think about psychological and physical effects.
5. How do prisoners treat each other? Does suffering create compassion or cruelty?
💡 Hint: Consider conflicts over food.
📖 Module 5: Textual Evidence Analysis
Analyze key quotes from the chapter. Read the quote, look at the simpler meaning, and then explain how it helps you understand the chapter.
"Here there are no fathers, no brothers, no friends. There is only you and your body."
💡 In simpler words: The camp strips away all human connections.
Analysis: How does this quote support your understanding of the chapter?
"I had already ceased to feel anything except the lashes of the whip."
💡 In simpler words: Eliezer becomes emotionally numb, experiencing only physical pain.
Analysis: How does this quote support your understanding of the chapter?
"He tried to tell them about the selections, about the crematory. But the Jews of Sighet were deaf."
💡 In simpler words: Even witnessing horrors doesn't change people's disbelief.
Analysis: How does this quote support your understanding of the chapter?
📝 Module 6: CER Response Builder
Build your Claim, Evidence, Reasoning response. When you are done, click "Combine Response" to build your paragraph!
📋 Writing Prompt:
"How does Wiesel use Eliezer's early experiences to show the loss of faith and humanity?"