Lesson 6-Through the Eyes of Children—More Literature Connections
Submitted by:
Julia Bodenhamer
Lesson Plan Information:
Grade Level: Elementary (Grade 5)
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Introduction/Overview: Do the stories told by the children who experienced
the Holocaust share a common theme? Why must the children tell their
stories? Are the stories fiction or non-fiction? How can you tell?
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Learning Objectives: Students are able to discriminate between biography,
historical fiction, and information books. Students are able to link literature to
social studies thus promoting discussion, inquiry and exchange of ideas.
Additional Resources/References:
Research for information:
 From given sites
 Library
 Literature
Four Perfect Pebbles by Lila Perl and Marion Lazan
The Night Crossing by Karen Ackerman
Jacob’s Rescue by Malka Drucker and Michael Halperin
Twenty and Ten by Claire Bishop
The Devil’s Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Anne Frank’s Story by Carol Ann Lee
No Pretty Pictures by Anita Lobel
Tell No One Who You Are by Walter Buchignani
Surviving Hitler by Andrea Warren
Supplementary Materials:
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/samplers/stars.ht
ml
http://www.fourperfectpebbles.com/
http://www.germantownacademy.org/academics/ls/superreader/title/N/nightcr
ossing.htm
http://www.malkadrucker.com/jac.html
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-literature/kirby.html
(teacher resource)
http://www.savcps.com/websites/holocaust%20folder/holocaust/
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Suggested Activities/Procedures:
1. Divide students into six groups. Assign one of the first six novels listed
above to each group. Students read the book summary and scan the book
for pictures and information about the novel. Students search the given
web site for their novel. Information bits can be recorded using the
computer program, Kidspiration, or manually on a posterboard.
2. Students share the novel in small group reading sessions. What is the genre
of the book—historical fiction, biography, or information? Why do you
think the author wrote the story? What is the theme of the book? Add the
group’s findings plus a brief summary of the book to your Kidspiration
page or posterboard.
3. Compare the assigned novel to Number the Stars
4. Student groups present their book using their program or poster board.
5. Teacher facilitates discussion comparing the student novel information,
inquiry regarding the thematic nature of the books, and exchange of ideas
as the students link the novels to their knowledge of events during the
Holocaust.
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Extending the Lesson:
Consult the book review section of the Sunday newspaper. Reference sample
book reviews particularly for children’s literature.
Write a book review for the book assigned to your group. Remember to
include your recommendations for potential readers.
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Time Required:
Two-three 45-minute class periods
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Preparation:
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Curriculum Fit:
National Standards: 2a, 2c, 2g, 3c, 4b, 4c, 4d
TEKS: 113.7 Social Studies 5.25A, B; 5.26B,C, D, F; 5.22A, B
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Evaluation/Assessment:
Students create a book cover poster for their book on the opposite side of their
information bit poster. The poster could also be created as a part of their
Kidspiration program using Microsoft Word/drawing programs.
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Tips for Teacher:
See article: Fostering Thought, Talk, and Inquiry: “Linking Literature and
Social Studies,” The Reading Teacher, February 2002, Vol. 55, No. 5,
pp.416+.
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Student Materials:
Poster boards and markers
Post-it notes to mark information in books