Activity Overview
There are several themes in the poem "First They Came". Niemoller wrote these words after being liberated from Nazi concentration camps after 7 years. His words are routed deep in meaning and sincerity. For this activity, students will choose a theme and illustrate and explain it in a single storyboard cell. Teachers may choose to have students illustrate more than one theme in the same storyboard, and they can use the template provided and add cells, or use a spider map layout instead.
Examples of Themes in "First They Came"
Guilt: Niemoller felt extreme guilt for his previous anti-Semitic beliefs. He is talking about himself in this poem.
Repentance: This poem is Niemoller’s way of expressing deep remorse for the mistreatment of the Jews.
Personal Responsibility: Niemoller is taking responsibility for the part that he played in looking the other way and saying nothing.
Persecution: Niemoller names the groups of people who were persecuted and mistreated because of their beliefs.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Choose one theme of “First They Came” and illustrate and explain it.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the header, write the theme that you have chosen.
- In the description, write a few sentences describing the importance of meaning of the theme pertaining to the poem.
- Illustrate an example of the theme using appropriate images, scenes, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
Activity Overview
There are several themes in the poem "First They Came". Niemoller wrote these words after being liberated from Nazi concentration camps after 7 years. His words are routed deep in meaning and sincerity. For this activity, students will choose a theme and illustrate and explain it in a single storyboard cell. Teachers may choose to have students illustrate more than one theme in the same storyboard, and they can use the template provided and add cells, or use a spider map layout instead.
Examples of Themes in "First They Came"
Guilt: Niemoller felt extreme guilt for his previous anti-Semitic beliefs. He is talking about himself in this poem.
Repentance: This poem is Niemoller’s way of expressing deep remorse for the mistreatment of the Jews.
Personal Responsibility: Niemoller is taking responsibility for the part that he played in looking the other way and saying nothing.
Persecution: Niemoller names the groups of people who were persecuted and mistreated because of their beliefs.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Choose one theme of “First They Came” and illustrate and explain it.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the header, write the theme that you have chosen.
- In the description, write a few sentences describing the importance of meaning of the theme pertaining to the poem.
- Illustrate an example of the theme using appropriate images, scenes, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes. Descriptions clearly say why examples are significant. | Most examples fit the identified themes. Descriptions say why examples are significant. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes. |
How Tos about Theme in \"First They Came\"
How to Facilitate a Meaningful Class Discussion on Theme in 'First They Came'
Prepare discussion questions that prompt critical thinking and personal connection to the poem’s themes. This encourages students to reflect on their own perspectives and the relevance of the poem today.
Set clear expectations for respectful dialogue
Establish ground rules for listening and speaking, reminding students to value diverse viewpoints. This helps create a safe space for sharing sensitive ideas about guilt, responsibility, and persecution.
Use open-ended prompts to spark conversation
Ask questions like, "How might you have responded in Niemoller’s situation?" or "Why is speaking up important in today’s world?". Open-ended prompts allow students to explore multiple perspectives and deepen understanding.
Encourage students to connect themes to current events or personal experiences
Invite students to share stories or examples from their own lives or news headlines. Making real-world connections helps cement the poem’s message and shows its ongoing relevance.
Summarize key insights and reinforce takeaways
Wrap up the discussion by highlighting main points and reflecting on the importance of personal responsibility and standing up for others. This ensures students leave the discussion with a clear understanding of the poem’s enduring lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Theme in \"First They Came\"
What are the main themes in the poem 'First They Came'?
'First They Came' explores powerful themes such as guilt, repentance, personal responsibility, and persecution. The poem reflects on the consequences of remaining silent in the face of injustice and encourages readers to stand up against wrongdoing.
How can students illustrate a theme from 'First They Came' in a storyboard?
Students can select a theme like guilt or personal responsibility, then create a storyboard cell showing a scene or image that represents that theme. They should also write a brief description explaining its significance in the poem.
Why did Martin Niemoller write 'First They Came'?
Martin Niemoller wrote 'First They Came' after surviving Nazi concentration camps. The poem is a reflection of his guilt and remorse for not speaking out against the persecution of others, and a call to take personal responsibility for defending those who are oppressed.
What is an example of personal responsibility in 'First They Came'?
In the poem, Niemoller admits to not speaking up when others were persecuted, realizing too late that silence enabled injustice. This illustrates the importance of personal responsibility in standing up for others.
What is the best way to teach the themes of 'First They Came' to middle school students?
The best approach is to have students choose a theme, discuss its meaning, and illustrate it using storyboards. Encouraging students to explain their choices deepens understanding and engagement with the poem's message.
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