📖

The Funeral That Wasn't

Journey to Safety

Day 53of 180
Week 11of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Analyze plot development in Number the Stars

2

Understand how characters use clever strategies during wartime

3

Explore themes of courage and sacrifice

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)

Like Annemarie's family trusting in their plan, we can trust God to guide us through difficult times

📦 Materials Needed

  • Number the Stars book
  • Blank paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Plot diagram template
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Recap previous chapters and discuss the dangerous mission to help Jewish families escape

💭 Review Question: What risks are Annemarie's family taking to help their friends?
2Teaching (10 min)

Read chapters 15-16, focusing on the clever fake funeral plan

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • How the resistance used creative strategies to protect people
  • The importance of courage in difficult times
  • How ordinary people can make a difference
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why did Uncle Henrik create a fake funeral?
  • How does pretending help keep people safe?
  • What would you do if you were in Annemarie's situation?
3Activity: Resistance Strategy Map (10 min)
hands-on

Create a visual map showing the family's escape plan and the risks involved

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a map of the journey
  2. Mark dangerous points and safe zones
  3. Use colors to show different levels of risk
  4. Write short descriptions of key moments
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use fewer details and larger drawings

Challenge: Add historical context and research about Danish resistance

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on the themes of bravery and helping others

📝 Review Questions:
  • What makes someone brave?
  • How can we help others who are in danger?
  • What did you learn about courage today?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us be brave like Annemarie and her family. Give us courage to stand up for others and trust in Your guidance.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore how the characters show bravery throughout the story

💎 Memory Verse

Joshua 1:9

“Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

— Joshua 1:9 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Courage Pose - Students strike a brave pose while reciting the verse

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

This lesson explores themes of resistance during World War II and the Holocaust

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Be sensitive when discussing war and persecution
  • Emphasize the positive actions of helpers
  • Encourage empathy and understanding
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find the historical context complicated or scary

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Compassionate responses and understanding of historical context

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research Danish resistance during World War II
  • Create a timeline of events in the book
  • Write a diary entry from Annemarie's perspective

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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