A guide will take your pupils on a journey describing the life story of Simon Gronowski, an 11-year-old Jewish boy who managed to escape from a deportation train.
Please note: This tour is only available in Dutch and French
As a child, Simon Gronowski ended up at the Dossin Barracks. Transport XX was due to deport him to Auschwitz but he managed to escape thanks to the efforts of the Resistance. A guide will take your class on a tour and relate Simon’s story. Together, you will discover who he was, where he lived and what interested him as a child.
During this interactive tour, your pupils will experience World War II through the eyes of a peer. A wide range of core learning objectives concerning history and attitudes relating to identity, respect, children’s and human rights will be covered through hands-on activities.
Discover what happened to Simon Gronowski.
Teaching materials before and after your visit
An introductory lesson and a follow-up session in the classroom will add depth to your visit to Kazerne Dossin.
Before your visit
During the introductory lesson, your pupils will find out more about Simon’s story through a letter and a picture book / animated video. This will give them a basic understanding of the past and help them develop a sense of chronology.
- Introductory lesson
- Download the ‘Simon, het jongetje dat wist te ontsnappen’ (Simon, the little boy who managed to escape) picture book (also available from the museum shop – €12.50)
- Watch the animated video based on the picture book on Vimeo
After the visit
After your visit to the museum, you can continue focusing on topics such as discrimination, war, children’s rights and human rights in the classroom. Below, you will find even more inspiring teaching resources to help you continue the discussion.
- Follow-up
- Watch Simon’s message again on Vimeo.
- Download the PowerPoint presentation
- Download the worksheets (Please note! The format varies from lesson to lesson: A3 or A4)
