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Literary Response Essay: Courage

Resolution and Reflection

Day 65of 180
Week 13of 36
35Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)

Learning Objectives

1

Write a literary response essay analyzing courage in Number the Stars

2

Develop a clear thesis statement with supporting textual evidence

3

Practice organizing thoughts and writing coherently

Joshua 1:9

Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid, nor be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (WEB)

Connects to the theme of courage demonstrated in the novel

📦 Materials Needed

  • Essay planning worksheet
  • Number the Stars book
  • Pencils
  • Lined paper

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Review the concept of courage from previous discussions. Remind students about the book's context of World War II and the Danish resistance.

💭 Review Question: What makes someone courageous?
2Teaching (10 min)

Discuss essay structure: introduction with thesis, body paragraphs with evidence, conclusion

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Thesis statement explains main idea about courage
  • Use specific examples from the book
  • Explain how characters show courage
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What moments in the book show true courage?
  • How does Annemarie demonstrate courage?
  • Why is courage important during difficult times?
3Activity: Courage Essay Drafting (15 min)
writing

Students will complete an essay planning worksheet and begin drafting their literary response essay

📝 Instructions:
  1. Complete planning worksheet
  2. Write a clear thesis statement
  3. Find 2-3 specific examples from the book
  4. Organize thoughts into paragraph form
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Provide sentence starters and a detailed planning template

Challenge: Add a biblical connection paragraph about courage

4Closing (5 min)

Share a few thesis statements and discuss effective writing

📝 Review Questions:
  • What is your main idea about courage?
  • What evidence supports your thesis?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us courage through Your strength. Help us to be brave like the characters in our story.

Coming up: Next week, we'll continue refining our essays and discussing the power of standing up for others

Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid, nor be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Courage Chain: Write examples of courage on paper links

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Students are learning to write a literary response essay about courage in Number the Stars

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Help your child brainstorm specific examples
  • Encourage clear, specific writing
  • Discuss the biblical view of courage
🤔 Common Struggles:

Organizing thoughts and finding specific textual evidence

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Clear thesis statement, relevant book examples, coherent paragraphs

Extension Activities

  • Create a poster illustrating courage from the book
  • Research real-life heroes from World War II
  • Write a letter to a character in the book

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 66Back to Literature