Number the Stars: Summary & Lesson Plans by Storyboard That

Q: What is the SWBST (Somebody Wanted But So Then) graphic organizer in 'Number the Stars'?

The SWBST graphic organizer is a tool that helps students break down a story by identifying the main character ( Somebody ), their goal ( Wanted ), the conflict ( But ), the solution ( So ), and the outcome ( Then ). In 'Number the Stars', it helps students track key events and character decisions.

Q: How do I use a SWBST organizer for 'Number the Stars'?

To use a SWBST organizer with 'Number the Stars', select a character, describe their goal, identify the conflict, explain their actions to resolve it, and state the outcome. This approach helps analyze character motivation and story structure.

Q: Why is the SWBST method effective for teaching 'Number the Stars'?

The SWBST method is effective because it guides students to focus on key story elements, encourages critical thinking, and supports deeper understanding of characters’ actions and consequences in 'Number the Stars'.

Q: What are some examples of SWBST statements for Annemarie in 'Number the Stars'?

Example SWBST for Annemarie: Somebody : Annemarie; Wanted : Her friends to be safe from the Nazis; But : The Nazis are checking who is Jewish; So : Her family helps sneak the Rosens out; Then : The Rosens reach safety in Sweden.

Q: What grade levels is the SWBST activity for 'Number the Stars' best suited to?

The SWBST activity for 'Number the Stars' is best for grades 6–8 , helping middle school students analyze story structure and character actions.

Number the Stars - Somebody Wanted But So Then Chart

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Student Rubric

Lesson Plan Overview

A SWBST graphic organizer is helpful for students to use as a way to identify and keep track of important parts of a book. Standing for "Somebody Wanted, But, So Then", the graphic organizer allows students to visually work their way through the consequences of a character's actions and decisions.

In this particular exercise, students choose a character and introduce them in the first Somebody cell.
Annemarie

In the second cell, the Wanted, the student depicts a goal of their character.
Annemarie just wants her friends to be safe from the Nazis

The center But cell shows a conflict, something that might keep the desired thing from happening.
The Nazis check to see who is Jewish and who is not.

In the fourth So cell, students will show what the character did to help solve the problem.
Annemarie’s family worked together to sneak the Rosens out of the country and out of danger.

In the final cell Then, student should show the final outcome.
The Rosen family safe in Sweden.

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Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a SWBST storyboard to analyze the consequences of a character's actions in Number the Stars. Remember, SWBST stands for "Somebody Wanted, But, So, Then".

Click "Start Assignment".
In each description, follow the prompted questions, introducing a character, describing their goal, and the consequences of pursuing that goal.
Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Click "Save & Exit" when done.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Parts of a Story

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Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Rubric

	Proficient 5 Points	Emerging 3 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Explanation	The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences.	The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear.	The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences.
Illustrations	The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions.
Evidence of Effort	Work is well written and carefully thought out.	Work shows some evidence of effort.	Work shows little evidence of any effort.
Conventions	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect.

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Lesson Plan Overview

In this particular exercise, students choose a character and introduce them in the first Somebody cell.
Annemarie

In the second cell, the Wanted, the student depicts a goal of their character.
Annemarie just wants her friends to be safe from the Nazis

The center But cell shows a conflict, something that might keep the desired thing from happening.
The Nazis check to see who is Jewish and who is not.

In the fourth So cell, students will show what the character did to help solve the problem.
Annemarie’s family worked together to sneak the Rosens out of the country and out of danger.

In the final cell Then, student should show the final outcome.
The Rosen family safe in Sweden.

Copy Activity

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Student Instructions

Create a SWBST storyboard to analyze the consequences of a character's actions in Number the Stars. Remember, SWBST stands for "Somebody Wanted, But, So, Then".

Click "Start Assignment".
In each description, follow the prompted questions, introducing a character, describing their goal, and the consequences of pursuing that goal.
Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Click "Save & Exit" when done.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Parts of a Story

Copy Activity

Student Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)

Rubric

	Proficient 5 Points	Emerging 3 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Explanation	The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences.	The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear.	The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences.
Illustrations	The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions.
Evidence of Effort	Work is well written and carefully thought out.	Work shows some evidence of effort.	Work shows little evidence of any effort.
Conventions	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect.

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How Tos about Number the Stars - Somebody Wanted But So Then

Use SWBST to Lead a Thoughtful Class Discussion

Guide students through a class discussion using the SWBST organizer. This encourages participation and helps students think deeply about character choices and consequences.

Choose a character together as a class

Pick one main character from Number the Stars as a group. Involving everyone helps students connect with the story and each other.

Ask students what the character wanted

Encourage students to brainstorm the character’s goal. This step builds comprehension and gets everyone thinking about motivation.

Prompt students to identify the conflict

Have students discuss what obstacle the character faced. Highlighting conflict helps students understand story structure and character development.

Discuss how the character responded

Ask how the character tried to solve the problem. Focusing on actions encourages students to analyze decision-making and its impact.

Reflect on the outcome as a group

Invite students to share how the character’s actions affected the ending. Group reflection promotes critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the story.

Frequently Asked Questions about Number the Stars - Somebody Wanted But So Then

What is the SWBST (Somebody Wanted But So Then) graphic organizer in 'Number the Stars'?

The SWBST graphic organizer is a tool that helps students break down a story by identifying the main character (Somebody), their goal (Wanted), the conflict (But), the solution (So), and the outcome (Then). In 'Number the Stars', it helps students track key events and character decisions.

How do I use a SWBST organizer for 'Number the Stars'?

To use a SWBST organizer with 'Number the Stars', select a character, describe their goal, identify the conflict, explain their actions to resolve it, and state the outcome. This approach helps analyze character motivation and story structure.

Why is the SWBST method effective for teaching 'Number the Stars'?

The SWBST method is effective because it guides students to focus on key story elements, encourages critical thinking, and supports deeper understanding of characters’ actions and consequences in 'Number the Stars'.

What are some examples of SWBST statements for Annemarie in 'Number the Stars'?

Example SWBST for Annemarie: Somebody: Annemarie; Wanted: Her friends to be safe from the Nazis; But: The Nazis are checking who is Jewish; So: Her family helps sneak the Rosens out; Then: The Rosens reach safety in Sweden.