Teachers want to incorporate innovative and captivating resources that engage students while enhancing their learning experience. One such resource that holds immense potential is the novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. There are numerous benefits of using this captivating historical fiction in your classroom, and how it can contribute to a comprehensive and immersive learning environment.
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Explore the Benefits of Using Number the Stars by Lois Lowry in the Classroom:
Explore Historical and Cultural Enrichment: Number the Stars is set against the backdrop of World War II and Nazi-occupied Denmark. By introducing this novel, teachers can offer students a window into history, enabling them to understand the complexities of the era, the struggles faced by individuals, and the courage displayed during those times. This immersive experience fosters empathy and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures, making history come alive in a way that textbooks often cannot.
Spark Critical Thinking: The novel presents intricate moral dilemmas, encouraging students to analyze characters’ actions, motivations, and consequences. By discussing the characters’ choices, teachers can foster critical thinking skills and spark classroom debates on topics such as ethics, bravery, and sacrifice. These discussions not only enrich students’ analytical abilities but also allow them to see the relevance of literature to real-life scenarios.
Promote Cross-Curricular Connections: Number the Stars seamlessly integrates with various subjects, promoting interdisciplinary learning. Teachers can explore geography by tracing the characters’ journey through Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. Science can be brought into the discussion by exploring the history of World War II and its impact on society. Art classes can focus on visual representations of scenes from the book, enhancing students’ creative expression.
Enhance Literacy Skills: The novel’s engaging narrative captivates students’ attention, enhancing their reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. The text’s vivid descriptions and character-driven storytelling make it accessible to a wide range of reading levels. Additionally, discussing literary elements such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and characterization encourages students to delve deeper into the story’s nuances, honing their literary analysis skills.
Foster Empathy and Global Awareness: Number the Stars encourages students to step into the shoes of the characters, fostering empathy and a sense of global awareness. By immersing themselves in the experiences of the characters, students gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by individuals during historical upheavals. This empathy translates into increased compassion and an enhanced ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds.
Promotes Cultural Diversity: Through the lens of Annemarie Johansen, the protagonist, students can gain insights into the importance of diversity and the need to stand up against injustice. The novel’s message of unity and resistance against oppression resonates strongly with today’s global conversations about inclusivity and equality.
Integrating Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars into your classroom is an age-appropriate way to introduce the study of the Holocaust. It offers a multitude of benefits, from historical and cultural enrichment to promoting critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness. This captivating novel not only captivates students’ imaginations but also equips them with valuable life skills. By utilizing this resource, you can create a holistic and immersive learning environment that engages your students. Embrace the power of literature to transform your classroom.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Number the Stars for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Number the Stars
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams, quite deservedly, is the winner of the 2020 Newbery Honor and the 2020 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. This modern novel stands out for its powerful themes and relatable narrative.
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Published in 2019, it is written in a modern language that middle schoolers will relate to. It is written by a Black author with a Black female protagonist and is a great way to bring diverse voices into your classroom, not just for representation, but for all students to learn from and relate to. Genesis has been dealt a hard hand in life and with her issues and those of her friends, just about every student will find something to relate to.
Benefits of Using Genesis Begins Again in Your Classroom:
Explores Diversity and Identity: Genesis Begins Again offers a poignant exploration of identity and self-acceptance, making it a valuable tool for promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom. Through the protagonist Genesis’s journey of grappling with her skin tone and family dynamics, students are exposed to discussions on race, identity, and the impact of societal standards on self-worth.
Fosters Empathy and Understanding: The novel’s narrative intricately weaves themes of empathy and understanding, encouraging students to walk in someone else’s shoes and develop a deeper sense of compassion. By empathizing with Genesis’s challenges and triumphs, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of human emotions and experiences.
Addresses Relevant Social Issues: Genesis Begins Again tackles important social issues such as bullying, colorism, and family dynamics, providing a platform for meaningful classroom discussions on these topics. Through these discussions, students not only enhance their critical thinking skills but also gain a broader perspective on societal issues affecting diverse communities.
Promotes Resilience and Self-Discovery: Genesis’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiring example for students, encouraging them to navigate their own challenges with courage and determination. The novel’s emphasis on self-discovery and embracing one’s uniqueness empowers students to embrace their individuality and build confidence in their abilities.
Enhances Literacy and Language Skills: Genesis Begins Again is rich in literary elements and language nuances, offering ample opportunities for students to enhance their literacy skills through close reading and analysis. Engaging with the novel’s vivid imagery, symbolism, and character development enables students to sharpen their comprehension, interpretation, and communication skills.
It is vital to use literature in your classroom that is diverse and represents all voices. Students should see themselves in the literature they read, and it’s also a way for other students to learn from and understand people who are different from them. Learning from different cultures enhances our empathy as humans to open minds and hearts.
Genesis Begins Again tackles issues of poverty, being evicted and having to move homes and schools frequently, having an alcoholic and untrustworthy parent, and at the root of Genesis’s hurt is the colorism that she faces from her peers, her father, her grandmother, and most of all herself. The novel shines a light on how our American culture and media have a set image of what “beauty” is and how, all too often, most of us don’t fit that mold. Genesis Begins Again is a relatable tale of how Genesis learns to trust others and love herself for who she is instead of striving for some unattainable image that could never be. This book is worthy of all the accolades that it has received and is a valuable novel for middle school students to use in their classrooms.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Genesis Begins Again for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes printable and Google Drive™ formats for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Genesis Begins Again
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Some of my most vivid childhood memories of school were the novel studies I read for various subjects. It was my favorite way to learn skills, history, and any topic! I love books, and being allowed to read an entire book from cover to cover as a school assignment put me in heaven! I am sure this is a major reason why, as a teacher, my passion is to create and teach novel studies! I love introducing new books to my class, and as a community, being immersed in the book together. I love it when a student pulls us off the schedule with a question or comment from something they read and leads the class into a lively discussion. That’s where the real memorable learning takes place, after all!
I create novel studies more than any other product line simply because I like to focus on what I love. I want to work with my passion! I often get questions from readers asking how I would set up novel studies in my classroom. I decided to write a small series explaining my methods. For the most part, my novel studies include comprehension questions, vocabulary/grammar skill work, extension activities, and assessments. Today’s post, part 1, deals with the comprehension aspect of the novel studies.
Novel Studies Part 1: Comprehension
One of the most compelling reasons to use whole novels in your reading instruction is to boost comprehension skills. A complete novel allows the student to delve deep into the characters’ minds and work through the plot from a detailed beginning to an end. You can’t achieve this level of deep understanding and thinking using short passages only. Students should be exposed to all methods of reading instruction, and complete novel studies fulfill a critical piece of the puzzle.
For students to dig deep into comprehension, they need the time to get lost in the narrative. Complete chapters will help them fall into the world of their book. The goal here is for students to think at the higher levels of the analysis and evaluation levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
To achieve this, I only use narrative questioning for my novel studies. The student needs to write out a complete statement in order to answer the question. Multiple-choice questions are not adequate to get the student to move beyond the lowest level of knowledge questioning of Bloom’s. You don’t want students doing quick guessing games to show what they’ve learned as they move through the book!
You can see that the questions will not allow the student to quick-skim the book. They can only answer if they’ve read, and the questions force them to think through what the character is thinking and put themselves into the character’s shoes. This type of questioning will take the student to the highest levels of both the cognitive and affective domains of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
You can also see that there are only five questions for the chapter. The questioning I use in my novel studies is usually only 1-6 questions per chapter. Students shouldn’t be inundated with questions in order to dig deep and show an understanding of what they’ve read. If the questioning is thorough, only a few questions are needed. I try to have at least one question per chapter, no matter how small it is. Of course, sometimes it is not necessary to assign a question just for the sake of assigning work if the chapter is too short.
Another reason for not overburdening the students with questions is to minimize the disruptions as they read. The more often they have to stop to answer questions, the less likely they are to get lost in the story. You want them to go all in!
All of my novel studies offer a Google Drive™ format, in addition to the printable format, shown above, to use with your students. This allows you to use novel studies in a 1:1 classroom, save paper, and easily engage students who are absent. Here’s an example page from the Google Drive™ format of my Esperanza Rising Novel Study.
Going through a story in this manner in regard to comprehension has worked very well for me. It forces those reluctant readers to put forth the effort to let themselves read deeply. The non-reluctant readers will be thrilled to be reading a complete book, so you’ve already hooked them!
Join me for part 2 in my series to learn the methods I use to try to turn my students into book detectives with vocabulary/grammar skill work using novel studies.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a classic children’s novel that has captured the imagination of readers of all ages since its publication in 1964. It tells the story of an impoverished boy named Charlie Bucket who wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, where he embarks on a fantastical adventure with four other children. This beloved tale has been adapted into several films and stage productions, and it’s an excellent addition to any classroom.
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Benefits of Using Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Your Classroom:
Engaging and Fun for Students:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a timeless classic that has been loved by children for generations. The novel is known for its whimsical plot and quirky characters, making it an engaging and fun read for students of all ages. Using this novel in your classroom can help cultivate a love for reading in your students, as they will be excited to discover what happens next in the story.
Teaches Important Lessons: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an excellent source of life lessons for children. The story teaches children the importance of honesty, hard work, and perseverance. Additionally, it highlights the dangers of greed, gluttony, and selfishness. By using this book in your classroom, you can spark important discussions about these topics and help your students understand their significance in everyday life.
Enhances Critical Thinking Skills: One of the most significant benefits of using Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in your classroom is that it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the book, the characters face various challenges, and they must use their wits and creativity to overcome them. By analyzing these situations, students can learn how to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world situations.
Increases Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in your classroom can also help improve your student’s vocabulary and reading comprehension. The novel uses a variety of descriptive language and literary devices, which can help students expand their vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of the text. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an engaging and entertaining book that can improve reading comprehension in children. The book’s characters, plot, and dialogue are easy to follow and understand, which can help struggling readers build their confidence and comprehension skills. Additionally, the book’s vivid descriptions and imagery can help students visualize and connect with the story on a deeper level.
Encourages a love of reading: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an enjoyable and entertaining book that can instill a love of reading in children. By introducing children to a book that is both fun and educational, you can help them develop a lifelong love of reading. Additionally, the book’s popularity and familiarity can make it an accessible and engaging choice for reluctant readers.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a fantastic addition to any classroom. It promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, teaches valuable lessons, improves reading comprehension, inspires creativity, and encourages a love of reading. By using this book in your classroom, you can engage and inspire your students, and help them develop important skills and values that they can carry with them throughout their lives.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Try a chocolate theme by incorporating reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory along with Chocolate Fever and The Chocolate Touch!
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
The funny thing about educational research is if you look hard enough, you can usually find studies to support both sides of an issue. Very rarely do you find a straight yes or no answer to what is a good or bad theory or practice. Generally, it boils down to the common sense of the teacher in regard to their individual students and the level of freedom the teacher is given by the administration.
Sadly in today’s standardized test-heavy climate, teachers are given less and less freedom to choose what is best for their students. So many curriculum guidelines have become so rigid that teachers aren’t able to modify or enrich with their own lessons and materials.
I struggled with this myself while teaching 4th grade. I taught in a high-poverty, low-scoring school. Most of my 4th graders were able to read at a 1st-2nd-grade level. Very few came to me over the years reading on grade level. The biggest challenge I faced as a reading teacher was getting kids excited about reading. They saw it as such a challenge, and our district used a basal series for reading instruction that was unrelatable and very boring! The students saw no reward for their challenge of getting through a story because the stories were so uninspiring, and they had no emotional connection. I knew if I could “turn them on” to a book, they would see more value in reading and feel payback.
Fortunately, I was blessed with a principal that valued my knowledge as a teacher and let me teach as I saw best for my students. I started with a read-aloud time where the kids would get comfortable, and I would read to them. Kids in the upper elementary grades don’t get read to enough for enjoyment. Often, read-aloud is reserved for the emergent readers of the primary grades. I chose high-interest, generally humorous books that the kids could enjoy. I didn’t strive for any deep thinking for this activity. I just wanted the kids to experience reading as enjoyable. Read-aloud became a favorite part of the school day for both the students and myself.
Once I got my feet wet in the classroom, I started developing novel studies for books where there was a short excerpt in our basal. It is only common sense that reading the whole book is more enjoyable and leads to a much greater understanding by the student. Of course, I was careful to incorporate the skills taught in the basal in my units. I started teaching these novel units alongside the basal stories, and the change between reading the basal versus the novel was amazing. I had kids who were reading at a 2nd-grade level actually focused and challenging themselves reading chapter books at a 4th-grade reading level. They actually wanted to read them versus just getting through some worksheet assignment from the basal. More and more, these lower-level readers were chiming in on class discussions about the books and picking up age-appropriate books by choice in their free time. As a teacher, I found it easier to use Bloom’s higher-order questions using a novel instead of a short excerpt because you could dive more deeply into the story and the characters.
I see similar experiences with my own children when they are allowed to read a “real” book vs. a text-based short story. They’ve never come home from school excited about something they read in a basal, but many times have come home and initiated lengthy discussions about novels that they are reading!
As for the sought-after test scores, I didn’t do any formal research on the subject, but my student’s scores certainly did not drop, and their love of reading soared! Sadly this is not a statistic that is measured often enough.
Another benefit of novel study-based reading instruction is the ability to enhance the student’s critical thinking skills by diving deep into character and plot development. Sadly, we are seeing fewer critical thinking-focused activities in our current “test-prep” atmosphere.
Maybe the most beneficial reason of all to use novels in the classroom is to really tap into the empathy and awareness that books can bring to students. By reading books like Wonder and El Deafo, students can learn about different disabilities and how people learn to live with and excel despite their disabilities. Books such as Number the Stars and Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes can be a great introduction to the Holocaust and the bombing of Hiroshima for elementary students. Hatchet and Esperanza Rising are great books to dive into with a character that faces and survives insurmountable odds. The One and Only Ivan helps students empathize and think about the impact we humans have on the planet. These are just a few examples of how a novel can get students thinking deeply about issues that motivate them to enact positive change in our world.
Using novel studies in the classroom can provide numerous benefits for students and can be a great way to enhance their learning experiences. The benefits of incorporating novel studies into your curriculum are:
Improved Reading Skills: By reading and analyzing a novel, students can develop and improve their reading skills, including comprehension, critical thinking, and vocabulary.
Cultural Awareness: Novels often reflect the culture and values of a specific time and place, allowing students to gain a better understanding of different perspectives and worldviews.
Enhance Writing Skills: By writing essays and participating in class discussions, students can improve their writing and speaking skills.
Encourage Empathy: By reading about and analyzing characters, students can develop empathy and learn to understand and relate to the experiences and perspectives of others.
Promote Engagement: Novel studies can be a fun and engaging way for students to learn and can help foster a love of reading.
Incorporating novel studies into your curriculum can provide a multitude of benefits for your students and can enhance their learning experiences in many ways.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Incorporating powerful literature into the classroom is essential for fostering empathy, understanding, and critical thinking in students. One such novel is Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz. This is one of the most impactful Holocaust books I have read. This gripping story, based on the true experiences of Holocaust survivor Jack Gruener, a young Jewish boy from Poland, provides a poignant glimpse into one of history’s darkest periods.
Watch a video of Alan Gratz speaking with the real Jack (Yanek) Gruener HERE!
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Educators must foster empathy, promote global awareness, and instill a deep understanding of history, even the darkest parts so that we don’t repeat it! Alan Gratz meets these needs with Prisoner B-3087.
Benefits of Using Prisoner B-3087 in Your Classroom
Enhances Historical Understanding:Prisoner B-3087 immerses students in the harrowing experiences of a young boy enduring the Holocaust. By following Yanek’s journey through ten different concentration camps, students gain a deeper understanding of the historical events of World War II. This firsthand narrative helps humanize the statistics and facts often found in textbooks, making history more relatable and impactful.
Promotes Empathy and Compassion: Reading about Yanek’s struggles and perseverance fosters empathy and compassion in students. Understanding the hardships faced by individuals during the Holocaust encourages students to reflect on their own values and attitudes. This emotional connection to the characters and their experiences can lead to meaningful discussions about tolerance, diversity, and human rights.
Sparks Critical Thinking and Discussion:Prisoner B-3087 challenges students to think critically about moral and ethical dilemmas. By analyzing the characters’ decisions and the consequences of those actions, students develop their critical thinking and reasoning skills. Teachers can facilitate discussions and assignments that encourage students to explore complex questions, fostering a deeper intellectual engagement with the material.
Encourages Resilience and Perseverance: Yanek’s story is one of incredible resilience and perseverance. Despite unimaginable odds, he continues to fight for survival. This theme of resilience can inspire students to face their own challenges with determination and strength. Teachers can use Yanek’s journey as a starting point for discussions on overcoming adversity and the importance of hope and perseverance.
Integrates Multidisciplinary Learning: Prisoner B-3087 offers opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Teachers can integrate lessons from history, literature, and social studies, creating a comprehensive educational experience. Additionally, art and writing projects inspired by the novel can enhance students’ creative expression and understanding of the material.
Supports Standards: The novel aligns with several standards, making it a valuable addition to the curriculum. It supports standards in reading comprehension, critical analysis, and historical context. By incorporating Prisoner B-3087, teachers can ensure they are meeting educational benchmarks while providing an engaging and meaningful learning experience.
Incorporating Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz into the classroom offers numerous benefits. From enhancing historical understanding to promoting empathy and critical thinking, this novel provides a rich, multidimensional learning experience. By engaging with Yanek’s story, students can develop a deeper appreciation for history, compassion for others, and resilience in their own lives. Integrate Prisoner B-3087 into your curriculum to create a powerful and transformative educational experience for your students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Prisoner B-3087, for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom. The novel study includes non-fiction reading passages covering:
”Life in Kraków, Poland 1939-1942”
”Life in the Plaszów Concentration Camp 1942-1943”
”Amon Goeth”
”The Wieliczka Salt Mine 1943-1944”
”Life in Trzebinia Concentration Camp 1944”
”Life in Birkenau Concentration Camp 1944-1945”
”Life in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp 1945”
”Death Marches of 1945”
”Life in Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp 1945”
”Life in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp 1945”
”Life in Buchenwald Concentration Camp 1945”
”Life in Gross-Rosen Concentration Camp 1945”
”Death March from Gross-Rosen in 1945”
”Life in Dachau Concentration Camp 1945”
”Life in Post-war Munich, Germany 1945”
”The Orphaned Jewish Visa Program”
”Oskar Schindler Schindler’s List”
Try a free sample of the novel study for Prisoner B-3087
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Integrating Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars into your classroom is an age-appropriate way to introduce the study of the Holocaust. It offers a multitude of benefits, from historical and cultural enrichment to promoting critical thinking, empathy, and global awareness. This captivating novel not only captivates students’ imaginations but also equips them with valuable life skills. By utilizing this resource, you can create a holistic and immersive learning environment that engages your students. Embrace the power of literature to transform your classroom.
Novel Studies Part 1: Comprehension
All of my novel studies offer a Google Drive™ format, in addition to the printable format, shown above, to use with your students. This allows you to use novel studies in a 1:1 classroom, save paper, and easily engage students who are absent. Here’s an example page from the Google Drive™ format of my 
