Number the Stars Novel Study | Building Background Knowledge Bundle

Number the Stars Novel Study | Building Background Knowledge Bundle

Give students the historical context they need to better understand Number the Stars with this 10-lesson no-prep research and group project bundle for Grades 6–8.

Students investigate Denmark before WWII, Nazi occupation, Jewish life, persecution, the October 1943 crisis, rescue, resistance, King Christian X, and moral courage. Each lesson moves students beyond background reading through research, analysis, and a collaborative project.

10 Lessons Included
- Denmark Before World War II — Building Background Knowledge
- Nazi Germany Invades Denmark — Invasion Timeline
- Life Under Nazi Occupation — Occupation Survival Kit
- Jewish Life in Denmark — Community Portrait Museum
- The Holocaust & Nazi Persecution — Rights Taken Away
- October 1943: The Plan to Arrest Denmark’s Jews — 72-Hour Crisis Room
- The Rescue of the Danish Jews — Escape Across the Øresund
- The Danish Resistance — Resistance Network Challenge
- King Christian X: History, Symbols & Legends — Historical Fact-Checking Investigation
- Resistance, Rescue & Moral Courage — Choices Under Occupation Exhibit
The final capstone asks students to bring their learning together by examining realistic WWII-era dilemmas and the choices, risks, consequences, and moral courage involved in helping others under occupation.

What’s Included
- 10 Complete No-Prep Lessons
- Teacher Directions
- Historical Overviews
- Mini Research Questions
- Suggested Research Resources
- Group Project Directions
- Research, Analysis & Planning Pages
- Color & Black-and-White Student Pages
- Reflection Opportunities

Why Teachers Love This
- Builds essential context for Number the Stars
- Combines ELA + Social Studies
- Turns background knowledge into active investigation
- Develops research, evidence, and critical-thinking skills
- Includes a meaningful group project with every lesson
- Explores occupation, persecution, rescue, resistance, and moral courage
- Use the lessons individually or as a complete sequence
- Designed for Grades 6–8

Perfect For
- Number the Stars Novel Studies
- Pre-Reading Activities
- WWII & Holocaust Units
- Historical Fiction
- Background Knowledge
- Research & Inquiry
- ELA + Social Studies
- Grades 6–8

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 bundle addresses Nazi occupation, antisemitism, persecution, the Holocaust, resistance, rescue, and wartime danger in an age-appropriate historical context. Teachers should review materials for suitability for their students.

Created by GR Creative Creations