I had never felt such sadness as I did the day I read The Butterfly, a poem written by Pavel Friedmann in 1942. I felt a lump in my throat, that tightness that forces you to stop and think.
I discovered it for the first time while searching for materials for a project aimed at preparing a class and resources on one of humanity’s darkest experiences: the Holocaust.
But how do you explain this to a seven- or eight-year-old child, who is just beginning to understand the world?
I admit that, at first, I didn’t understand why this topic should be taught to such young children. I thought they had their whole lives to learn about the horrors of history. Then I realized something: children receive so much information that it’s often distorted or incomplete.
If we don’t provide them with a human and thoughtful version of the facts, who will? No matter how harsh history is, it always has something to teach us.
When I decided to address the topic in class, I did it through poetry. I chose The Butterfly because of its beauty and symbolism. Pavel wrote this poem in a concentration camp, describing a butterfly he saw that reminded him of sunlight. But later, he no longer saw butterflies. It was his way of expressing the loss of hope in the midst of a heartbreaking reality.
The day I read the poem in class, the children asked me so many questions:
—What is a ghetto, teacher?
—Where are yellow butterflies?
—Why would someone think others should die for being different?
I admit some questions left me speechless. Then Jane, one of my brightest students, stood up and said:
—It’s about the Holocaust. Those people were killed because they were from another culture. Basically, one man got the crazy idea that others, because they were different, should die. In short, millions died because of one person who decided some were good and others were bad.
At that moment, you realize that many times, it’s the children themselves who help you do your job. Thanks to them, everything works and makes sense, even when it sometimes feels otherwise.
That day, thanks to Jane, I found the words I needed to continue explaining:
—Did you know the butterfly is a very special symbol? It reminds us that, even when things are hard, there’s always something beautiful in the world. Pavel wrote about a butterfly he saw in a very sad place.
That butterfly gave him hope for a moment, and even though he didn’t see it again, he left us this poem to remind us to value freedom and kindness.
It was a moment full of learning for everyone. It was also a reminder of the power we have as teachers: we can plant light and hope in children’s minds, even when the topic is hard to discuss.
When I asked the children what hope meant to them in tough times like the ones Pavel experienced, Tomás’s response stood out to me:
—Hope is the idea that things will get better. It’s like believing someone or something can help you, or that you can solve something even if you’re alone. That makes you happier and gives you the will to live better.
Everyone fell silent. His answer stayed with me because it was so true. I asked Tomás to give us an example, and he said:
—Well, if I didn’t have hope that I’d pass the year, why would I study? I’d just stay home. But I want to pass because, when I grow up, I want to be a scientist… but not a crazy one, like my dad says.
The whole class burst into laughter. Few understood at that moment the depth of Tomás’s words, but I did.
I could share many more anecdotes about this topic, but here are three essential tips for addressing complex topics in the classroom:
Adapt the language without losing the message. Use examples or stories children can relate to. In this case, the butterfly symbolized hope in a way they could understand.
Let the questions flow. Don’t fear your students’ questions. Often, their inquiries will guide you on how deeply to explore the topic.
Focus on the learning. Even with difficult topics, there’s always something we can take away to grow stronger. Help children see what they can improve in their lives and in others’.
Create a safe space. Children need to feel they can speak, ask, and share without being judged. This environment encourages them to reflect and emotionally connect with what they learn.
That small moment in class became one of many experiences I’ll never forget. And yes, it inspired me to design a resource that allowed me to address the topic sensitively and effectively, planting a seed of empathy and critical thinking in every little heart.
Here are my resources, which I assure you will help you approach this sensitive topic with ease and confidence in your class:
- Holocaust PowerPoint Google Slides with Engaging Reflection and Discussion Q's
- Holocaust Reflection Activity Read, Draw, and Write for Deeper Understanding
- The Holocaust Remembrance Craft: Monarch Butterfly Reflective Writing Activity
Because history is not only learned; it is also felt. And that’s how it truly leaves a mark.
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