Number the Stars: Ellen’s Star of David NecklaceSymbol Evidence Exhibit | 5-8th

Number the Stars: Ellen’s Star of David NecklaceSymbol Evidence Exhibit | Grades 5–8

Help students move beyond simply identifying a symbol to investigate how one small object can carry enormous meaning. In this no-prep Number the Stars lesson, students trace Ellen’s Star of David necklace throughout the novel and analyze how its meaning develops through identity, danger, protection, and sacrifice.

Students examine multiple appearances and references to the necklace, gather textual evidence, consider the difference between hiding an identity and erasing an identity, and determine why Lois Lowry gives such symbolic weight to this small personal object. Groups then use their research and analysis to create a Symbol Evidence Exhibit.

Included
- Teacher Directions & Student Overview
- Mini Research Questions & Online Resources
- 5-Step Group Activity
- 3 Research, Analysis & Planning Pages
- Color + Black-and-White Student Pages

Why Teachers Love This
- No prep and ready to use
- Designed for 1–2 class periods of 45–60 minutes
- Encourages close reading and evidence-based analysis
- Moves beyond identifying symbolism to explaining how symbolism develops
- Explores identity, protection, sacrifice, and survival
- Includes structured support for research and project planning
- Combines individual analysis with collaborative learning

Perfect For
- Number the Stars novel studies
- Symbolism lessons
- Author’s craft
- Theme analysis
- Textual evidence practice
- Holocaust literature units
- Collaborative projects

Important Disclaimer
This is an independently created educational resource designed to accompany the novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, endorsed by, or sponsored by Lois Lowry, the publisher of Number the Stars, or any related rights holder.

Number the Stars and its characters, storylines, settings, and other elements originating from the novel remain the intellectual property of their respective copyright holders. References to Ellen, the Star of David necklace, characters, events, themes, and symbols are included solely for educational instruction and literary analysis.

No text from the novel is reproduced or included in this resource, and this product is not intended to replace the novel. Students and teachers must have access to legally obtained copies of Number the Stars to complete activities requiring reading, textual evidence, or reference to the text.
Purchase of this resource does not include a copy of the novel and does not grant permission to reproduce, distribute, scan, upload, or otherwise share the novel. This resource is intended solely for classroom instruction, literary analysis, discussion, research, and educational activities.