Hicksville Middle School eighth grade students recently completed an engaging and meaningful World War II project in social studies class titled “A Walk in Their Shoes.” Through this assignment, students were challenged to step into the lives of individuals who experienced World War II firsthand and to thoughtfully recreate their perspectives through journal entries, letters and other personal artifacts.
The goal of the project was to deepen students’ understanding of the diverse human experiences during World War II by encouraging them to analyze history through a personal lens. Rather than focusing only on major events and dates, students explored how war shaped the daily lives, choices, emotions, and perspectives of ordinary people around the world.
Each student selected a historical role, either a German citizen living through Hitler’s rise to power and World War II, a Japanese American forced into an internment camp or a U.S. soldier preparing for and fighting in the D-Day invasion. Students then researched their character’s background and experiences before creating authentic journal entries and artifacts that reflected the challenges, fears and resilience of that individual.
Through this immersive experience, students demonstrated empathy, critical thinking, creativity, and historical understanding. The project encouraged students to recognize that World War II affected millions of people in different ways and highlighted the importance of understanding history through human stories and personal experiences.
The project culminated in a gallery walk that allowed students from other classes to view their peers’ projects and analyze the diverse perspectives presented. Hicksville Middle School Social Studies teacher Meghan Dowling-Lewis said, “I am proud of the hard work, creativity, and compassion the students demonstrated throughout this project. It gave each of them a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and struggles endured by individuals during one of the most significant periods in world history.”
The completed projects showcased attention to historical detail and thoughtful reflection.