📖

Denmark Under Occupation

Introduction to Number the Stars

Day 37of 180
Week 8of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the geographical location of Denmark

2

Learn about World War II's impact on Denmark

3

Develop empathy for people experiencing historical challenges

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 31:8-9

“Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”

— Proverbs 31:8-9 (WEB)

Reflects the courage of Danish resistance helping Jewish people during occupation

📦 Materials Needed

  • World map
  • Large poster paper
  • Colored markers
  • Denmark historical photos
  • Colored pencils
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and show Denmark's location on world map. Discuss what students already know about World War II.

💭 Review Question: Where is Denmark located in Europe?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain Denmark's situation during World War II, focusing on Nazi occupation and Danish resistance

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Denmark was invaded by Germany in 1940
  • Danish people secretly helped Jewish neighbors
  • Courage means standing up for what is right
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What would you do if your friends were in danger?
  • How can we show courage in difficult times?
3Activity: Danish Resistance Map (10 min)
hands-on mapping

Create a collaborative map showing Denmark's location and key historical points

📝 Instructions:
  1. Divide class into groups
  2. Each group adds details to large poster map
  3. Include key cities, resistance actions, and safe zones
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-draw map outline for students

Challenge: Research specific resistance actions to include

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on lesson's key points about courage and helping others

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about Denmark?
  • Why is it important to help others?
  • How can we show courage today?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us be brave and kind like the Danish people during World War II. Show us how to help others in need. Amen.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll start reading Number the Stars and meet our main characters

💎 Memory Verse

Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid. Don't be discouraged, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

— Joshua 1:9 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Courage Chain - write examples of courage on paper links

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Lesson introduces World War II context sensitively for 4th graders

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use age-appropriate language about war
  • Focus on hope and human kindness
  • Validate children's potential questions
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might feel scared hearing about war

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Empathy and understanding of historical context

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research Danish resistance heroes
  • Create a timeline of World War II events
  • Write a journal entry from a child's perspective during occupation

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 38 →Back to Literature