Book Club -- Number the Stars, a Realistic Fiction Story of Heroism and Bravery
Mike P
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(616)
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
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...
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.
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.
Homework Offered
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.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
A copy of Number the Stars, Thank you.
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!
There is nothing more exciting than when you see a student think deeply, question ideas, share a new thought, or explore character’s actions/ decisions or a quote or a purpose the author had when writing a novel and then connect the information...
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
