📖

The Journey Begins: Number the Stars

Journey to Safety

Day 51of 180
Week 11of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand plot progression in historical fiction

2

Identify how authors build tension through setting

3

Practice mapping a character's journey

📖 Scripture Connection

Psalm 32:8

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.”

— Psalm 32:8 (WEB)

Just as God guides characters in challenging journeys, He guides us through life's difficult paths

📦 Materials Needed

  • Number the Stars book
  • Large paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Rulers
  • Bible
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and review previous reading of Number the Stars. Discuss how characters are preparing for a dangerous journey.

💭 Review Question: What do you know about why Annemarie and her family are helping their Jewish friends?
2Teaching (10 min)

Read chapters 12-13 of Number the Stars, focusing on the journey's details and tension.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Historical context of World War II
  • Importance of courage during dangerous times
  • How characters protect each other
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What makes a journey dangerous?
  • How do characters show bravery?
  • Why is helping others sometimes risky?
3Activity: Journey Mapping Adventure (10 min)
hands-on mapping

Students create a detailed map of Annemarie's journey, marking significant locations and potential dangers.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a large map of the Danish countryside
  2. Mark Uncle Henrik's house
  3. Use different colored pencils to show route
  4. Add notes about potential risks along the way
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Trace a pre-drawn map with teacher guidance

Challenge: Add historical research about actual escape routes

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on the day's reading and map-making, connecting to God's protection

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was the most dangerous part of the journey?
  • How did characters help each other stay safe?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for protecting people who help others, even when it's difficult. Give us courage like Annemarie.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn more about Uncle Henrik's role in the rescue

💎 Memory Verse

Psalm 34:7

“The angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.”

— Psalm 34:7 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Angel Guard Game: Students form protective circles around each other

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

This lesson explores themes of resistance and courage during the Holocaust

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Be sensitive when discussing war themes
  • Emphasize hope and human goodness
  • Connect historical events to God's love
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find historical violence confusing

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Empathy, understanding of historical context

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research Danish resistance during World War II
  • Create a timeline of rescue efforts
  • Write a journal entry from Annemarie's perspective

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 52 →Back to Literature