Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“The Best Acts in the Worst of Times”

In this activity, students commit to small acts of kindness to assist others in the worst of times based on details from the memoir.

In the memoir, Leyson describes Schindler as a hero who, like Joseph Campbell said, did “the best of things in the worst of times.” Consider a need in your own country, county, or community and design a solution to do the best you can for people suffering the worst of times. Present your idea, drawing parallels between your community work and Oskar Schindler’s actions.

To prepare to present your idea in a briefing to the class, address these steps and questions:

• Name your commitment to one small act of kindness.
• Think of people who are suffering from the worst of times.
• What are the needs of those who are suffering?
• How can you help meet those needs? List resources, ideas, and support systems you can use to lend aid.
• What impact might your small kindness have on the community as a whole?
• What comparisons might be drawn between your kindnesses and Schindler’s actions?