Product Description
Where to watch it: Big Sonia is currently streaming on PBS. Watch it now with PBS Passport and bring this powerful film to your classroom!
Big Sonia is also streaming on the Doc Club Channel on Amazon Prime.
Film runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes.
Film rating/grade level: This film is appropriate for Grades 7 and up.
Reviews: Read the Video Librarian Big Sonia Review.
Film-Book Pairing: Many educators pair this film with Night by Elie Wiesel.
Curriculum Guide
Lesson 1: An Introduction to the Holocaust in Poland (Social Studies)
Lesson 2: Getting to Know the Real Sonia (English Language Arts, Film Literacy)
Lesson 3: Learning from the Past: An Oral History Assignment (Social Studies, English Language Arts)
Lesson 4: Viewing a Documentary Film (Social Studies, Film Literacy)
Lesson 5: Maladaptive Stress Response and Intergenerational Trauma (Psychology, Human Development)
Glossary of Film Terms
The Glossary of Film Terms is useful for the Film Literacy lessons that are part of this curriculum guide.
Preview Glossary of Film Terms
Antisemitism Today
This lesson was created as part of our updated Schindler’s List Curriculum Guide. We have made it available as an individual download because combines well other Holocaust Education resources like Big Sonia.
This lesson features three key sections with handouts:
- Antisemitism Day (Response Journal),
- An Audit of Hate Crimes in the United States, and
- White Supremacy and Antisemitism.
These sections can be used together or separately. Additional resources on Antisemitism and antiracism are included in the lesson as well.
If using this lesson separately from Schindler’s List, advise students to skip the small number of questions related to that film.
How to download your free resources
Related Resources
Articles: Big Sonia is featured in our articles on:
- Teaching with Primary Sources Through Film,
- Genocide Education Resources,
- Holocaust Education Resources, and
- PTSD Awareness Teaching Resources.
Interview: Read our Executive Director Jen Fischer’s interview with Big Sonia director Leah Warshawski for Video Librarian: Bring Big Sonia to the Classroom.
Webinar: Learn more about countering Anti-Semitism in the classroom with film in our free PD Webinar: Using Media to Foster Critical Thinking and Combat Antisemitism and Islamophobia.
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Sustainable Development Goals
Journeys in Film supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about teaching with SDGs.
This curriculum guide connects to the following UN SDGs:
