…I never saw another butterfly… Children’s Drawings and Poems from Terezin Concentration Camp 1942-1944

Theresinstadt Terezin was a ghetto located in Czechoslovakia, near Prague. It was set up to cover up the Nazi genocide of the Jews. This “model” ghetto was the site of a Red Cross investigation visit in 1944. Teachers defied camp rules and secretly offered the children art classes, poetry contests, and cultural programs as forms of therapy.

Terezin Concentration Camp A total of 15,000 children under the age of fifteen passed through Terezin between 1942-1944; less than 100 survived. In these poems and pictures drawn by the young inmates of Terezin, we see the daily misery, as well as their courage, hopes and fears.

This year we honor Inge Auerbacher! Inge was one of the 15,000 children that passed through Terezin. We will dedicate our hallway to her since she will be visiting us in May. Inge’s book is called I Am A Star. Some of you will receive a star along with one of her poems to decorate instead of a butterfly.

I Am A Star by Inge Auerbacher Only “special” children wear a star, I am noticed from near and far. They have placed a mark over my heart, I’ll wear it proudly from the start.   A star’s a reward, so I’ve been told, This custom passed on from days of old. I know all that the star is revealing, But, I’ll try to have a better feeling. I am a star! Papa told me to avoid trouble, Come home from school on the double. To me the star’s yellow is gold, I’ll try not to act so bold. I stand tall and proud, My voice shouts in silence loud; “I am a real person still, No one can break my spirit or will.”

Butterfly The last, the very last, So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow. Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing Against a white stone… Such, such a yellow Is carried lightly ‘way up high. It went away I’m sure because it wished to Kiss the world good-bye. For seven weeks I’ve lived here, Penned up inside this ghetto. But I have found what I love here. The dandelions call to me And the white chestnut branches in the Court. Only I never saw another butterfly. The butterfly was the last one. Butterflies don’t live in here, In the ghetto.

This is your assignment: You will read a poem written by a child at Terezin. After several readings silently, find examples of hopes, dreams, and fears in your child’s poem. Think about how you relate to its author. Decorate a butterfly/star that represents the author of your poem.

…And you will BE CREATIVE! But they must be able to hang on fishing line in the ELA hall. Write your name and the name of your child on your butterfly/star. Cut out your butterfly/star. BOTH sides must be decorated. Do NOT Use swastikas. Will count as ½ TEST grade.

Your Assignment is due… Friday, April 17th . Your butterfly will hang in the ELA hall representing the children who survived & perished in the Holocaust.