Emotional and Personal Dimensions

Worksheet Description

This worksheet immerses students in the emotional and personal dimensions of the Berlin Wall’s existence between 1961 and 1989. It sets forth a fictional scenario wherein students, assumed to be residents of East Germany during this time, are separated from a dear one by the Wall. Using the large, letter-shaped space provided, students are encouraged to write a letter to this individual, sharing their experiences, feelings, and the daily realities of life in East Germany during this politically charged period.

To effectively engage with this task, students should first familiarize themselves with the historical and social context of East Germany between 1961 and 1989. Drawing from this knowledge, they should then channel the emotions, challenges, and experiences of someone living in this era, separated from a loved one by the Berlin Wall. With these feelings in mind, students can draft a heartfelt letter, making sure to paint a vivid picture of their hypothetical life, the socio-political atmosphere, and their yearnings for the person they are separated from.

This worksheet aims to foster empathy and deepen students’ understanding of the human consequences of political decisions and geopolitical events. By prompting them to step into the shoes of an individual living through these historical events, it seeks to make the history of the Berlin Wall more tangible and personal. Additionally, the exercise aids in developing students’ narrative and reflective writing skills, pushing them to weave fact with emotion. Overall, the task aspires to humanize historical events, reminding students that behind every major event are individual stories of love, loss, hope, and resilience.