Upper Elementary School Lesson Plans

Defiant Requiem Lesson Plans

Introduction:
The Defiant Requiem Foundation Education Curriculum is a flexible lesson plan series designed for elementary school students (grades 4–6) that explores the story of Jewish conductor Rafael Schächter, who organized fellow prisoners in the Terezín concentration camp to learn and perform Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem as an act of creative resistance during the Holocaust. Through age-appropriate discussion, guided film viewing, and hands-on activities, students will discover how art and music can serve as powerful forms of courage and hope even in the darkest of times.

Students will use the documentary film Defiant Requiem as the central resource throughout the lessons. The film shares Schächter’s story and the voices of surviving chorus members, and provides historical context about life in Terezín, the Nazi propaganda campaign, and the performances of Verdi’s Requiem, including the one held before Nazi officials and the International Red Cross. Teachers can choose between a condensed two-lesson format or an expanded six-lesson format depending on the time available in their classroom.

Resource:
Defiant Requiem Film – WATCH HERE

Lesson Plans:
All Lesson Plans and Resources
Download and Print Here

Lessons 1-2
This condensed format provides the complete lesson, including historical context, film viewing, discussion, and creative activities, in just two class sessions. The film is viewed in two longer segments, making it ideal for teachers with limited class time.
Download and Print Here

Lessons 1-6
This expanded six-lesson format covers the same material spread across six class sessions, breaking the film into short viewing segments with guided discussion prompts after each clip. This gives teachers more time for in-depth conversation and reflection.
Download and Print Here