Number the Stars

Novel Review
http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/numberthestars.html
A review of the novel including topics for discussion, activities, related works and links to helpful sites.

Anticipation Guide
http://www.westga.edu/~kidreach/numberstars.html
Questions about war and personal belief.

Lesson Plans and Resources
http://www.connectingstudents.com/literacy/number.htm
This site has numerous links to lesson plans and other resources for teaching the novel.

Children of the Holocaust
http://trackstar.scrtec.org/main/display.php3?option=frames&track_id=5014
This site allows students to look at the lives of children who were killed in the holocaust, helping students to understand that these were ordinary children like themselves.

Genocides and Genocidal Massacres
Chalk, Frank and Jonassohn, Kurt. Genocides and Genocidal Massacres. Social Education, Feb. 1991 p. 84.

Genocide Intervention and Prevention
Charny, Israel W., Genocide Intervention and Prevention. Social Education Feb. 1991 p. 124-125.

Merging History and Literature in Teaching about Genocide
Drew, Margaret A., Merging History and Literature in Teaching about Genocide. Social Education Feb. 1991 p. 130-131.

Those
Kitterman, David, "Those Who Said 'No!': German Soldiers, SS, and Police Who Refused to Execute Civilians during World War II, Social Education, Feb. 1991 p. 113.

Racism and Relocation: Telling the Japanese-American Experience
Mackey, James A. and William E. Hunzicker, Racism and Relocation: Telling the Japanese-American Experience, Social Education, Feb. 1991 p. 415-417.

The Racial Context of the Holocaust
Milton, Sybil. The Racial Context of the Holocaust, Social Education, Feb. 1991 p. 111-113.

Teaching and Learning about Genocide: Questions and Content
Totten, Samuel and Parsons, William S., Teaching and Learning about Genocide: Questions and Content, Social Education, Feb. 1991 p. 85-90.

The Forgotten Holocaust of the Gypsies
Tyrnauer, Gabrielle, The Forgotten Holocaust of the Gypsies, Social Education, Feb. 1991 p. 111-113.

Reading Activities compiled by Kristin Black
|During Reading | After Reading |

Before Reading Strategies

1. Black, Kristin. “Journal Entry: A Before Reading Strategy.” 17 Sept. 2005.
An activity in which students will gain an understanding about journal writing and
its importance in WWII. Students will write journal entries, reflecting as if they
lived in Denmark during WWII. They will write how they feel about the war, the
Nazi movement, fears, worries, whose side they support, etc.

2. Black, Kristin. “The Dangers of Labeling: A Before Reading Strategy.” 17 Sept. 2005.
An activity in which students will learn about the dangers of oppression and
prejudice against those of different culture or religion. Each student will receive a
label which will state one physical or personality trait and they will wear it throughout the day. The label will be chosen for them by a classmate. Each student will write a reflective one page essay exploring their feelings throughout the day.

3. Bytwerk, Randall. German Propaganda Archive. Calvin. 16 Sept. 2005
http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/posters2.htm
A collection of Nazi posters used from 1933-45. These posters range from “Hitler
Youth” propaganda to the anti-Semitic, which destroyed millions of lives.

4. Jewish Holidays-OU.ORG. Orthodox Union. 16 Sept. 2005
http://www.ou.org/chagim/default.htm
Website on which all of the dates to Jewish holidays are given and their
significance explained. Also contains a link to important notes on how Jewish
holidays are observed.

5. Judaism 101: Signs and Symbols. 16 Sept. 2005
http://www.jewfaq.org/signs.htm
Website contains pictures of different traditional Jewish objects and symbols.
Also tells of their symbolic meaning and historical importance. Includes
information on the menorah and the Star of David, or “Magen David.”

6. Lowry, Lois. Lois Lowry. Lois Lowry. 16 Sept. 2005
http://www.loislowry.com
Lois Lowry’s official website, which provides links to her biography, frequently
asked questions, and a contact e-mail address.

7. Poulsen, Erling. Rundetaarn.DK. 16 Sept. 2005
http://www.rundetaarn.dk/engelsk/luftfoto.html
Website provides aerial views from the Round Tower in Copenhagen, as well as a
panoramic view from the tower. Many of the buildings are the same as they were
during WWII since Denmark was not a heavily hit country during the war.

8. “The Hitler Youth.” Trueman. Sept. 2003. 16 Sept. 2005
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/hitler_youth.htm
This website explains the Nazi organization “The Hitler Youth” and the
importance it played in the Nazi’s rise to power and the strength and horror of the regime. Discusses the significant but separate roles of girls and boys within the
movement.

9. Occupation of Denmark. Wikipedia. 16 Sept. 2005
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occupation_of_Denmark
Website provides pictures and explanations about the occupation of Denmark and
how it was significantly different from the Nazi movements through other
European countries. Has information specifically on the invasion, Danish Government and economy.

10. Zorkmidden. Discarded Lies: Children in WWII. 8 May 2005. Euros and Sense. 16 Sept. 2005
http://discardedlies.com/entries/2005/05/children_in_wwii.php
This website describes how WWII affected the children of the time period. How
they adapted to the violence and danger of the time and what efforts were made to
make this time as normal as possible.

During Reading Strategies

1. Bulow, Louis. “The Holocaust: A Miracle in Denmark.” 2005. 20 Sept. 2005
http://www.auschwitz.dk/docu/Aftermath.htm
This site focuses on the holocaust and its effects on the people of Denmark. It
includes links that explain the occupation, resistance, rescue, aftermath of the war
in Denmark. Also has many interesting, yet graphic pictures of the war and Denmark’s heroes which will help the students put faces to the stories that they
are learning about.

2. “Enrichment Activities: Symbols.” teachervision.com. 24 Sept. 2005
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/page/2538.html
This site presents a list of creative activity ideas specifically centered around
Number the Stars. It provides links to internet activities and other books by
Lois Lowry, including the activity on symbols. This activity allows the students
to think about the symbols used in the novel and then asks them to create their own symbol by thinking about their strengths and interests.

3. “Jewish Recipes.” Art Scroll: Jewish Books. Sept. 21, 2005. 24 Sept. 2005
http://www.jewishrecipes.org
This website features many different famous Jewish recipes. It includes pictures
of common Jewish artifacts used for religious worship and those important to serving food. The website also provides links that explain Kosher cooking—what
it is and the symbols behind it. Have the students prepare some of these dishes and discuss the symbolism behind the foods and how they connect to the novel.

4. Lamperti, John. “The King of Denmark and the Yellow Star.” Nonviolent Activist:The
Magazine of the War Resisters League. June 2002. 24 Sept. 2005
http://www.warresisters.org/nva0502-5.htm
This article explores the story of the king of Denmark, Christian X, and his resistance to the Nazi occupiers. Although the story is a myth this webpage will help students understand and appreciate the culture of Denmark and the stories of courage that surround their WWII experience.

5. “Lesson Plans: Number the Stars Character Jeopardy.” teachervision.com. 24 Sept. 2005.
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/page/2536.html?detoured=1
This site plays upon the familiarity of the game show Jeopardy. It lists 35 different characteristics and the students then match them to the characters in
the story. This activity gives you the “clues” and the answers but allows you to
use your own creativity when setting up the actual game. This is a great way to
create a better understanding of the novel and an aid in ensuring character and theme recognition.

6. “Photos: Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, II.” University of South Florida. Jan. 2005. 20 Sept. 2005. http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/holocaust/resource/gallery/WGU2.htm
This site provides five pages of photos illustrating the horrifying ghettos that the
Jews all over Europe were forced to be relocated to before they were shipped off
to the concentration camps. The photos include captions explaining the scene and
the pictures themselves can be clicked on for dates and other specific information.
At the top of the page there are more links for more study and activities related to
this and other WWII subjects of interest.

7. Solnik, Tanja. “From Generation to Generation: A Legacy of Lullabies.” DreamSong
Recordings. Nov. 24, 2005. 24 Sept. 2005
http://home.earthlnk.net/~madelinusa
This site features many different traditional Jewish lullabies in three different
languages, including Ladino, Yiddish, Hebrew. There are media links that allow
the student to listen to the song, with links to the English translation of the lyrics.
Music is important to any culture, and the haunting yet happiness of the tunes
will allow the students to more deeply feel of the Jewish culture.

8. “The Nazi Police State.” Trueman. April 2005. 20 Sept. 2005
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/nazi_polic_state.htm
This site gives some of the history behind the terrifying Nazi regime and the
police that reinforced fear within the nations of Europe as well as the world.
Provides an interesting photo where students can see the intimidating precision
of their dress. Also has links that accompany different subjects so that students
can research further any subjects they do not understand or want to learn more
about.

9. Terp, Holger. “The Danish Peace Academy: Danish Peace History.” Fredsakademiet.
Sept. 16, 2005. 24 Sept. 2005
http://www.fredsakademiet.dk/library/dkpeace/dkpeace13.htm
This site explains the Danish resistance during WWII with a basic history as well
as interesting stories. The seven pages include many helpful visuals depicting the
propaganda used in the non-violent resistance. Also includes links to the works
cited within the article for further study into the Danish resistance.

10. “U.S. Troops in Action: 1942-1945.” The History Place: World War Two in the
Pacific. 24 Sept. 2005
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/pacificwar/index.html
This site includes eight pages of battle photos mostly picturing the U.S. side of
WWII. It highlights many of the major battles and events of the war from a U.S.
perspective. This site allows students to visually understand how their own
country was involved in the war as compared to the people of Denmark written
in Number the Stars.

After Reading Strategies

1. “A Holocaust Monument.” A Teacher’s Guide to the Holocaust. 2005. Florida
Center for Instructional Technology. 27 Sept. 2005
http://fcit.usf.edu/holocaust/activity/68plan/monument.htm
Many beautiful monuments were built after WWII to celebrate heroism and
sacrifice and to ensure that those living today did not forget them. This activity
allows the students to perform hands-on, visual work using the lessons knowledge
on the symbolism and emotional responses behind different geometric shapes and
colors. Will help students learn respect and appreciation for the sacrifices of
others, as well as allowing them to use their creativity.

2. Black, Kristin. “WWII Research Project: How WWII Affected Your Family.” 27 Sept. 2005.
This project will require the student to do some family research and possibly
interview a grandparent or other relative that was alive and has memories of
what life was like during WWII. The student will write a 5 page paper tying
historical facts with the personal events of their family members life. This is a
wonderful way to bring history to life, to show the student how literature can
connect to their own life.

3. “Col. Edmund M. Holocaust Testimony.” Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust
Testimonies. 25 May 2005. Yale University Library. 27 Sept. 2005
http://www.library.yale.edu/testimonies/excerpts/edmundm.html
This website features a live clip of an American soldiers experience as he went
into a concentration camp in Austria after the end of the war. It is possible to
download the video as well as audio. This is a great way to let the students see
how regular people are very real participated in the war and performed
courageously for a good cause.

4. “Mapping Survivor Stories.” A Teacher’s Guide to the Holocaust. 2005. Florida
Center for Instructional Technology. 27 Sept. 2005
http://fcit.usf.edu/holocaust/activity/68plan/mapping.htm
This activity requires the student to research a holocaust survivor and create a
map or timeline the events of their life, focusing on their experiences within the
time period of WWII. They are encouraged to use technology and media to make
this presentation largely visually based.

5. “Movie Clips.” A Teacher’s Guide to the Holocaust. 2005. Florida Center for
Instructional Technology. 27 Sept. 2005
http://fcit.usf.edu/holocaust/resource/MOVIES.htm
The site really brings life in Europe during WWII to life as survivors relate
through video their stories of struggle and courage. One woman tells of her arrest
and life in a concentration camp, while one tells how he escaped Vienna as a
teenager. This site could be used just to view or to facilitate a research project
on WWII.

6. “News Watch.” A Teacher’s Guide to the Holocaust. 2005. Florida Center for
Instructional Technology. 27 Sept. 2005
http://fcit.usf.edu/holocaust/activity/68plan/news.htm
This activity will bring the students to a greater awareness of the issues that
surround them today. This site provides the basic outline and procedure for the
activity in which they use newspaper articles that deal with human rights issues,
prejudice, ethnic wars, racism, and inequality and connect these themes with similar themes found in WII.

7. “Recipe for Peace.” Family Education Network. 27 Sept. 2005
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/page/2538.html
The students will create a figurate recipe for peace by using the real elements of
a recipe used in cooking or baking with the format of ingredients, procedure and
serving. The students will respond to the question: “What does it take to make peace?” Some possible ingredients include kindness, understanding, common goals, etc. This will get the students to apply WWII to the things happening today and will aid in an honest reflection on how they can make a difference in the world around them.

8. “Response to Literature: Feelings about the Book.” Planet Book Club. 27 Sept. 2005
http://www.planetbookclub.com/kids/archive/stars.99/stars16.html
This activity invites students to relay their basic responses and further questions
they would like to discuss after finishing the novel. The students will be especially exploring their personal and emotional responses to the story and why
they think Lois Lowry wrote the book.

9. “Survivors.” A Teacher’s Guide to the Holocaust. 2005. Florida Center for
Instructional Technology. 27 Sept. 2005
http://fcit.usf.edu/holocaust/people/survivor.htm
This website explores the lives of WWII survivors. It follows the stories of many
different survivors with over 10 video links to show live interviews. Showing the
hopeful and inspiring aspects amidst all the ugliness of war can lighten the lessons
on WWII and show students the power of the human spirit.

10. “Victims.” A Teacher’s Guide to the Holocaust. 2005. Florida Center for Instructional
Technology. 27 Sept. 2005
http://fcit.usf.edu/holocaust/people/victims.htm
This site explores all of the different groups that were targeted by the Nazi forces.
These included the Jews, Gypsies, Slavs, dissenting politicians and clergy
Members, the mentally and physically disabled, homosexuals, and Jehovah’s
Witnesses. There are links for photos and more in depth explanations. Great for
a deeper understanding of WWII and its far-reaching tragedies.

Return to Lowry's Page