Book Club -- Number the Stars, a Realistic Fiction Story of Heroism and Bravery
In this two-class meeting, students will discuss the importance, historical background, and realistic themes of this piece of literature and the usage of poetry written at that time. #academic
Mike P
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(661)
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will read Number the Stars by Lois Lowry to end of chapter 8 for prior to first mtg. Students will complete the novel for second mtg., including reading the afterward, please.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Students will be highly interested in studying this novel based on true accounts of resistance Fighters in Denmark during World War II. This novel carefully does not deal directly with the atrocities of concentration camps and other historical events that might be deemed too difficult to process for children of this age. Instead this highly researched book deals specifically, in a realistic fiction format, with actual events of Danish people risking their lives to save the lives of other citizens. Students will benefit from the interactive discussion program. This is a novel of heroism, courage and bravery. Students will participate in vocabulary in context, comprehension questions/ discussion on plot, character decisions, themes, plots, and sharing specific story elements , discussing themes of the novel and connecting them with evidence, looking at actual actions taken by resistance fighters/ partisans that saved so many lives in Denmark, through studying the actions of specific characters, based on account of actual people during this time in history, and what led them to life or death decisions.
Learning Goals
1. What actions make a hero, especially in the most difficult of circumstances.
2. Characteristics of heroism, bravery, and courage and numerous other themes from the novel include many powerful life-lessons based on actual accounts.
3. vocabulary in context, comprehension questions / discussions on the plot, character decisions,themes, plot,
4. sharing opinions of specific story elements of the novel
5. sharing poetry written during this time in history.
6. Public speaking sharing of thoughts, feelings, combined with evidence from the novel regarding quotes that will be presented in class.
8.Discussing themes of the novel and connecting them with evidence, looking at actual actions taken by resistance fighters / partisans that helped save so many lives in Denmark. and studying the actions of specific characters and what led them to make heroic decisions.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
While this novel deals with the World War II time, it does so in a very careful and specific manner to highlight the actual events and life-saving techniques that were created by the people of Denmark to save Jewish citizens. The book does not deal with concentration camps or the atrocities that happened as many books deal with that may not be appropriate for this age range. I have taught this book over 15 years and always found it a safe, powerful look into the themes of what makes somebody step forward as a hero and show empathy and bravery to do what is right when others are doing what is wrong. This book presents great opportunity, and safe opportunity for a discussion of the concept that when you see something you must say something!
Supply List
A copy of Number the Stars, Thank you.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from The College of St. Rose
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Union College
I have taught this topic, and book, for well-over 20 years and am well-versed in this time period and handling thoughts and questions ina sensitive manner. During those years in the classroom, I also brought a survivor into class to share his story with both students and adults from their homes. The results are a life-long change in the students on remembering our past so we do not allow events such as this to repeat.Reviews
Live Group Class
$44
for 2 classes1x per week, 2 weeks
50 min
Completed by 25 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-6 learners per class
