Idea prompts/sentence starters...
ANNE FRANK'S ROOM
1. Initial Impressions: Students could share their immediate reactions upon entering the digital replica of Anne Frank's hideaway bedroom. They might comment on the size of the space, the lack of natural light, or the feeling of confinement.
2. Attention to Detail: Encourage students to observe and discuss the accuracy of the digital replica compared to historical photographs or descriptions of the actual hideaway. They could point out specific details such as the bookcase hiding the entrance, the furnishings, and the layout of the room.
3. Emotional Impact: Prompt students to reflect on the emotional weight of being in a virtual recreation of the space where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding. They could discuss the feelings of empathy, solemnity, or connection they experience as they explore the virtual environment.
4. Understanding Anne's Experience: Encourage students to imagine what it would have been like to live in such close quarters for an extended period, as Anne Frank did. They could discuss the challenges of maintaining privacy, coping with fear, and finding moments of joy or solace in the midst of adversity.
5. Themes from Anne's Diary: Prompt students to consider themes from Anne Frank's diary as they explore the virtual hideaway. They could discuss Anne's reflections on identity, family relationships, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of hardship.
6. Historical Context: Provide background information about the Holocaust and World War II to help students contextualize their experience in the virtual hideaway. They could discuss the persecution of Jewish people by the Nazis, the significance of hiding places like Anne Frank's, and the broader impact of the war on society.
7. Comparisons to Modern Times: Encourage students to draw parallels between Anne Frank's experiences during World War II and contemporary issues such as refugee crises, discrimination, and human rights violations. They could discuss the importance of empathy, tolerance, and standing up against injustice in their own lives.
CIVIL WAR PERIOD HOME INTERIOR
Architecture and Design: Students could discuss the architectural features of the Civil War era home, such as the materials used in construction, the layout of the rooms, and any distinctive design elements characteristic of the time period.
Domestic Life: Prompt students to consider what daily life might have been like for the families living in the home during the Civil War. They could discuss aspects such as cooking, cleaning, household chores, and family dynamics within the context of the time period.
Social Hierarchies: Encourage students to explore the social dynamics of the time, including issues of class, race, and gender. They could discuss how these factors influenced the roles and relationships of individuals within the home and society at large.
Impact of the War: Prompt students to consider how the Civil War would have affected the occupants of the home. They could discuss topics such as the disruption of daily life, the experiences of soldiers and their families, and the ways in which the war shaped the home environment.
Contrasts with Modern Living: Encourage students to compare and contrast the Civil War era home with their own living environments. They could discuss differences in technology, amenities, and lifestyle, as well as similarities in the importance of family and community.
Historical Artifacts: Prompt students to examine any historical artifacts or furnishings present in the virtual home. They could speculate about the stories behind these items and their significance to the occupants of the home.
Emotional Impact: Encourage students to reflect on the emotional resonance of being immersed in a virtual recreation of a Civil War era home. They could discuss feelings of connection to the past, empathy for the people who lived there, and the importance of preserving historical heritage.
Legacy of the Civil War: Provide opportunities for students to discuss the lasting impact of the Civil War on American society. They could explore topics such as Reconstruction, the abolition of slavery, and ongoing struggles for civil rights and social justice.