Identifying Themes in Number the Stars

Themes, symbols, and motifs come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify a specific theme from the book Number the Stars, and support their choices with details from the text.

The example storyboard has scenes from the story that illustrate how characters in the book demonstrated bravery.

Bravery

• When running down the street, the girls are stopped by a Nazi Officer.

• Peter visits the scientist to help the Rebellion.

• When German soldiers stop Ellen, she has no idea that the handkerchief has a special solution on it that keeps the dogs from smelling. It is elemental in the escape plans that Uncle Henrik has.

• The Danish Jews had to be very brave to hide in the boat, not knowing if the dogs would be able to sniff them out, allowing for their capture.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that identifies themes in Number the Stars. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Identify a theme from Number the Stars.
3. Create an image for examples that represent this theme.
4. Write a description of each of the examples.