Speaking Up For Each Other

Objective:

 To illustrate the importance of sticking up for others

Materials Needed:

“Speaking Up For Each Other” handout (below), writing utensils

Time Required:

20 minutes depending on discussion length

Teacher Instructions:

First, distribute the “Speaking Up For Each Other” handout (printer-friendly version link available below, or project on screen for class to reference). Next, have students read the poem to themselves. When they finish reading the poem, they should fill out the sentence completion exercise that follows. Next, place students in groups of 4 or 5 and ask them to discuss their interpretations of the poem and their answers to the exercise. They should explain their answers to their groupmates. You may want to observe the groups to ensure that they stay on task. Once conversations seem to dwindle, field any further questions and discuss why it’s important to “speak up” and what your class can do to “speak up.”

Speaking Up for Each Other Handout

Directions:

Read this poem and think about what it means to you. Next, fill out the sentence completion exercise that follows the poem. Share your ideas with your classmates.

“First They Came for . . .”

In Germany they came first for the Communists,

And I didn't speak up

Because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,

And I didn't speak up

Because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,

And I didn't speak up

Because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,

And I didn't speak up

Because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me,

And by that time

No one was left to speak up.

Poem written by Reverend Martin Niemoller, 1945.

Sentence Completion Exercise:

Please record how you would complete each sentence.

1. I have spoken up about

2. I have not spoken up about

3. People don't speak up sometimes because

4. People will speak up if

5. I will speak up if

6. My friends will speak up when

7. As a class, we can speak up when

8. It is easier to speak up when

9. It is harder to speak up when

10. I will help others speak up if

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