Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of the themes, characters, and historical context of "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry. They will be able to discuss the importance of bravery and friendship in the story and relate it to their own lives.
Materials and Prep
- Notebook and pencil for writing notes and reflections.
- Coloring materials (crayons, markers, etc.) for creative activities.
- Space to read and discuss the book comfortably.
- Familiarity with the basic plot of "Number the Stars" will help in discussions.
Activities
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Character Exploration:
Have the student choose their favorite character from the book and draw a picture of them. Then, write a few sentences about why they like this character and what makes them brave.
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Bravery Journal:
Ask the student to write a short journal entry about a time they showed bravery, just like the characters in the story. They can share their story with you afterward.
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Friendship Tree:
Have the student create a "Friendship Tree" on a piece of paper. They can draw a tree and write the names of their friends on the branches, explaining how each friend has supported them, just like Annemarie and her friends supported each other.
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Discussion Questions:
Engage in a discussion about the themes of the book. Ask the student open-ended questions about what they think bravery means and how they would act in similar situations.
Talking Points
- "What do you think bravery means? Can you think of a time when you were brave?"
- "Why do you think Annemarie was willing to help her friend? What does that say about friendship?"
- "How did the events in the story show the importance of standing up for what is right?"
- "Can you relate to any of the characters? How do their experiences connect with your life?"
- "What lessons do you think we can learn from 'Number the Stars' that apply to today?"