Introduction
The “Number the Stars” ESL Lesson Plan is designed to introduce students to essential vocabulary, critical thinking, and historical context through Lois Lowry’s classic novel. This lesson plan aims to engage students in discussions about bravery, empathy, and the impact of World War II on individuals. By delving into this captivating story, students can improve their language skills while gaining a deeper understanding of history and human resilience.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Resistance |
The refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument. |
Occupation |
The action, state, or period of occupying a place or position; the military control of an area by a foreign power. |
Bravery |
Courageous behavior or character; the quality of being brave. |
Escape |
‘To break free from confinement or control.’ |
Alliance |
A union formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries. |
Contextual Usage
1. The individuals showed great **resistance** against the occupation forces.
2. Their **bravery** in standing up for what is right was truly inspiring.
3. The prisoners managed to plan their **escape** from the camp.
4. The two countries formed an **alliance** to combat their common enemy.
ESL Warm-up Activity
To set the tone for the Number the Stars ESL Lesson Plan, start with a captivating warm-up activity. You can begin by showing images or short video clips related to World War II, Denmark, or themes of bravery and resistance. Encourage students to discuss what they see, ask open-ended questions about their initial thoughts on the topic, and elicit any prior knowledge they may have regarding this historical context. This will help create a sense of curiosity and prepare them for the lesson ahead.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: Word Wall
Create a word wall with key terms from the book such as “resistance,” “occupation,” “bravery,” and “alliance.” Ask students to define each term, provide synonyms, and use them in sentences. Encourage group discussions to deepen their understanding of the vocabulary.
Listening Activity: Historical Interviews
Play recordings of individuals who lived through World War II or the occupation of Denmark. Have students listen and take notes on the challenges people faced, acts of bravery they witnessed, and any form of resistance. Then, facilitate a class discussion on their findings.
Roleplay: Resistance Scenarios
Assign students different roles representing characters from the novel. Create scenarios where they must make decisions about joining the resistance or helping others during wartime. This activity encourages empathy and understanding of historical dilemmas.
Reading and Writing: Secret Messages
After reading a passage from the book, ask students to create their own secret messages using codes similar to those used during wartime. Then have them exchange messages with classmates for decoding, promoting comprehension and writing skills in an engaging manner.
ESL Homework Assignment
For homework, students can be tasked with researching and preparing a short presentation on individuals or groups who demonstrated remarkable bravery and resistance during World War II. This assignment reinforces the lesson’s emphasis on bravery, empathy, and historical context. Additionally, they can write a reflection on how the story of “Number the Stars” relates to real-life events and impacts their understanding of history.
Conclusion
Summary
In conclusion, the “Number the Stars” ESL Lesson Plan delved into essential vocabulary related to World War II and themes of bravery and resistance. The activities encouraged immersive listening, speaking, and critical thinking engagement, enriching students’ language skills while broadening historical awareness.
Reflection
Students are prompted to reflect on how the lesson deepened their understanding of historical events and human resilience. Encouraging them to consider how this newfound knowledge can positively influence their language development by broadening their cultural insights and empathy through literature.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
The “Number the Stars” ESL Lesson Plan provides a captivating platform for language acquisition while immersing students in a historical and cultural context. Through this topic, students can expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension skills, and cultivate empathy by engaging with themes of courage, resistance, and historical events.
This novel serves as a powerful tool to enhance language learning by integrating compelling storytelling with meaningful educational content. It offers an opportunity for ESL students to explore complex themes in an accessible manner, fostering a deeper understanding of the English language within real-world contexts.
