Night - Elie Wiesel

I really enjoyed reading Night by Elie Wiesel because of its combination of an intriguing story and a historical component. From a language arts perspective the narrator has a memorable story that can draw in students and allow many teachable moments about literature. For my book talk I chose The Boy in the Striped Pajamas because I felt it was a beneficial introduction book to the Holocaust and WWII, from a teaching perspective for a history class I think Night can fit this criterion as well.

Night by Elie Wiesel can be a beneficial read to a high school classroom because of its story, the message, and the historical background. I would use this story in a sophomore language arts or history classroom. In order to teach this book I think that students will need a variety of schema building on the topic, the author, and the language. I have learned from my current placement classroom that the topics in this story are not always well known and students need an introduction in order to become interested.

In a language arts classroom Night can be used to teach a series of instructions. Teachers can use Night to introduce students to a memoir. Because Night’s main character closely resembles its author, it may be considered more of a memoir than a novel. Students could compare and contrast novels and memoirs for a better understanding of reading literature. One important difference that teachers can use is that a novel typically concerns itself with creating a convincing fictional story; Night, however, is concerned solely with Wiesel’s personal experience. Teacher’s can also use themes and symbols throughout the story. One example could be the inhumane treatment of humans, and the consequences. This theme can lead to a series of discussions, research projects, and opportunities for group work.

In a history class Night can be used as an introduction story for WWII and the Holocaust (my understanding is that both are a requirement). Teachers could use sections of Night, the author’s real story, and other stories related to Night in order to help students begin to draw connections to the history and the actual people involved. I am not a history major so I am not confident in teaching a history class, but I know from class discussions this book could be beneficial to a history lesson.