📖

Multiple Themes in Number the Stars

Resolution and Reflection

Day 62of 180
Week 13of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Identify multiple themes in Number the Stars

2

Analyze how themes are demonstrated through characters' actions

3

Develop critical thinking about literary themes

📖 Scripture Connection

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)

Reflects the themes of courage and standing strong in difficult times

📦 Materials Needed

  • Number the Stars book
  • Theme graphic organizer
  • Colored pencils
  • Notebook
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Briefly review previous day's reading of Number the Stars. Ask students to share what they remember about the main characters and their challenges.

💭 Review Question: What brave actions did Annemarie take to help her friends?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explore the multiple themes present in the novel, focusing on courage, sacrifice, friendship, and standing against evil.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Courage means doing what's right even when it's scary
  • Sacrifice involves helping others at personal risk
  • True friendship shows itself during difficult times
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How did Annemarie show courage?
  • What risks did characters take to help others?
  • How does standing up for others reflect God's love?
3Activity: Themes Web Activity (10 min)
Graphic Organizer

Create a theme web showing different themes in Number the Stars with supporting evidence from the text.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a circle in center of page with 'Themes' written inside
  2. Create branches for each theme: Courage, Sacrifice, Friendship
  3. Find specific examples from the book for each theme
  4. Use different colored pencils for each theme branch
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-printed graphic organizer with spaces filled in

Challenge: Add a fourth theme and find complex textual evidence

4Closing (5 min)

Discuss how the themes connect to Christian values of love, protection, and courage.

📝 Review Questions:
  • What theme spoke to you most?
  • How can we show courage in our own lives?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us courage and helping us stand up for what's right, just like the characters in our story.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll compare this book with another story we've read

💎 Memory Verse

Joshua 1:9

“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: Theme Action Movements: Stand up and say each word with a brave pose

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Number the Stars explores complex themes of resistance and protection during the Holocaust

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Discuss themes sensitively
  • Help child understand historical context
  • Encourage empathy and compassion
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding complex historical themes and moral choices

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Ability to identify multiple themes and provide textual evidence

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research Danish resistance during World War II
  • Create a poster illustrating themes of courage
  • Write a short story showing personal courage

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 63 →Back to Literature