Number the Stars: We started our new class novel last week; Number the Stars. Here’s a quick summary of the utter greatness that you can expect from this book:
As the German troops begin their campaign to “relocate” all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family.
Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.
Winner of the 1990 Newbery Medal.
Be sure to ask you child/children what they think of the book, and to summarize what we’ve read of the book each day.
Some of the learning objectives (or WALT as we refer to them in Grade 4; We Are Learning To) that we will cover while reading are:
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- Describe the characters’ traits, feelings, and motivations in Number the Stars.
- Refer to the text for evidence to support answers.
- Form an opinion about a character’s trait based on the character’s actions, feelings and motivation.
- Explain how the characters’ actions contribute to the sequence of events.
- Engage in discussions sharing their ideas and listening to others.
- Use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words or phrases in Number the Stars.
- Distinguish literal and non-literal language and determine its meaning.
- Gain information about the past.
- Build upon their background knowledge of World War II.
- Explore themes of friendship and bravery during the times that scare us the most.
English: – Use commas to separate items in a series correctly.
– Combine sentences by joining single words in a series.
– Use commas after the introductory words yes, no, and well.
– Use commas to set off names of peoples being addressed.
Spelling: – Prepare for Vocabulary Test on Friday. Our spelling words will come from our class novel, Number the Stars.
1. stricken – deeply affected, as with grief or fear
2. bulky – of relatively large size
3. latticed – crossed wooden or metal strips in a pattern
4. brusque – abrupt in manner
5. battered – damaged by beating or hard usage
6. rustling –slight sounds from parts gently rubbing on another (ex. leaves, silk, grass)
7. tantalize – tease
8. withering – fading, shriveling
9. snarled – speaking in a surly manner
10. concealed – hidden
Math: – Divide with and without remainders.
–Use basic facts and patterns to divide mentally.
– Solve problems by using the guess and check method.
Science: – Define fossils and tell how they form.
– Explain what the fossil record is.
Social Studies: – Identify climate patterns in the Caribbean.
– Describe what affects climate in the Caribbean.
Bible: – Study Bible verse for Friday. Parents, please encourage your child to study their Bible verse every week. These do impact their Bible grades.
– Consider ways that God has made each person unique.
– Define glory, praise, and worship and discuss way to glorify God.
Now you brothers, are children of promise. Galatians 4:28
(For extra credit, learn Galatians 4:31.)
HOMEWORK:
Monday
ENGLISH: page 83
READING FOR 30 MINUTES – DEAR
Tuesday
MATH: Homework Practice 1-5, 17-18, 21
SPELLING CONTRACT – 1 Section
Wednesday
CLASS NOVEL: Chapter 11 – predict what will happen next
ENGLISH: page 86
Thursday
CLASS NOVEL: Chapter 11 – predict what will happen next
ENGLISH: page 86