Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing ~ March 2025

STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN COPY OF MAUS I PRIOR TO CLASS. 

Classes, materials, and teachers are paid for in advance. For this reason, no refunds or credits are given.

Important: Maus contains sensitive topics. We will do our best to make these topics age-appropriate for the students and THERE WILL BE NO DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL TOPICS IN ANY FORM. We will refrain from showing nude or extreme graphic violent photography when examining primary sources of world genocide. However, it is each parent’s responsibility to determine whether their student is prepared for these difficult conversations. Maus includes a scene of mild hand-drawn mouse "nudity" in a concentration camp, a scene of suicide, and genocide of the Jewish people. In this class, we will carefully examine these difficult subjects and explore world genocide through both primary and secondary sources. There will be some exploration of the Jewish religion and its customs in order to gain a deeper understanding of the persecution and systematic annihilation of the Jewish people and their way of life.

Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing

Explore the powerful story of Maus I by Art Spiegelman in this class. Maus is a graphic novel that tells the story of the Holocaust, using animals to represent different groups of people. Through this class, students will dive into the historical events of WWII, discuss important themes such as survival, memory, and trauma, and discuss how graphic novels tell stories through both words and images.

What You’ll Learn:

• Historical Context: Understand the Holocaust and the impact on survivors

• Symbolism: Learn how Art Spiegelman uses animals to symbolize different groups (e.g., Jews as mice, Germans as cats).

• Graphic Novel Analysis: Explore how images and text work together

• Creative Projects: Participate in activities like creating timelines, mapping key locations from the story, and examining character development through storytelling.

• Reflective Writing: Write thoughtful short responses to their reading

Class Details:

• Dates: March

• Cost: $60

• Required: Students must bring their own copy of Maus I.

This class will encourage critical thinking, help students understand historical events, and develop writing and analysis skills through the unique medium of graphic novels.

CLASS LEVELS AT ITAV ENRICHMENT CENTERS: 

Our classes are designed to meet students at their current stage of reading and writing development. Here’s an overview of each level to help you choose the best fit for your child:

THIS CLASS IS Level 300s – Foundational Critical Thinking & Writing

In this level, students move beyond summarizing texts to thinking critically about their meaning. They work on deeper comprehension and writing skills, focusing on analyzing what they read and forming thoughtful responses. This class is for independent readers ready to explore texts on a more meaningful level.

OTHER LEVELS AVAILABLE:

Level 100s – Phonics & Fluency

This class focuses on building foundational phonics skills and increasing reading fluency. Using games, crafts, and sensory activities, students also work on fine motor skills, pencil grip, and basic writing exercises. Ideal for pre- or early readers who are just beginning their literacy journey.

Level 200s – Early History & Literacy

Students in this level develop basic sentence structures, expand their vocabulary, and explore different forms of writing. This class also introduces early history topics. It’s perfect for children who can read independently but often prefer to read aloud with a parent or need extra support with writing.

Level 400s – Advanced Literary Analysis & Composition

This advanced class is designed for teens who are confident independent readers. Students learn to connect texts to history, culture, and the world around them. The focus is on critical thinking and writing meaningfully about what they read. It’s an excellent class for teens ready to dive into deeper analysis and composition.

Each level builds on the previous one, helping students grow their skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking at a pace that’s right for them. Let us support your child on their learning journey!