Number the Stars Novel Study | The Danish Resistance | Resistance Network

Number the Stars Novel Study | The Danish Resistance | Resistance Network Challenge

Build essential historical background before reading Number the Stars with this no-prep investigation of the Danish Resistance during the German occupation of Denmark.

Students discover that resistance did not always mean direct fighting. They investigate how ordinary people used underground newspapers, intelligence gathering, secret communication, sabotage, and hiding fugitives to resist occupation—all while facing serious consequences if discovered.
Designed for Grades 6–8, this lesson moves beyond basic research by asking students to examine how resistance networks functioned, why secrecy and trust mattered, and how different roles depended on one another.

What's Included
- Teacher Directions & Historical Overview
- Mini Research Questions & Group Activity
- 3 Research, Analysis & Planning Pages
- Resistance Network Challenge
- Color & Black-and-White Student Pages
- Suggested Research Resources

Why Teachers Love This
- Builds important context before reading the novel
- Shows that resistance extended beyond armed combat
- Develops historical thinking and cause-and-effect reasoning
- Explores secrecy, trust, risk, courage, and cooperation
- Moves students through research → analysis → planning → creation
- Encourages students to see how individual roles formed larger networks
- Integrates ELA and Social Studies
- Designed for 1–2 class periods of 45–60 minutes
- No prep and ready to use

Perfect For
- Number the Stars Novel Studies
- Pre-Reading Activities
- Building Background Knowledge
- World War II & Holocaust Units
- Danish Resistance Studies
- Historical Fiction Units
- ELA & Social Studies Integration
- Grades 6–8
- Homeschool & Co-op Settings

Part of the Number the Stars: Building Background Knowledge Series
Use this lesson individually or alongside the other Number the Stars: Building Background Knowledge investigations to help students develop the historical, geographic, cultural, and social context needed to better understand the novel.

Disclaimer
Number the Stars is written by Lois Lowry and is the property of its respective copyright holder. This resource is an independently created educational supplement and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Lois Lowry, the publisher, or the copyright holder. The novel is not included and must be obtained separately.
This resource discusses Nazi occupation, resistance activities, sabotage, persecution, and the risks faced by resistance members in an age-appropriate historical context. Teachers should review materials for suitability for their students.

Created by GR Creative Creations