2nd Unit Plan Draft and Brainstorm

 Unit Author:

Markus Zusak

reception@curtisbrown.com.au

LanesLit2022

Unit Overview:

Learning from The Book Thief 

In 1 month students will have read the entirety of Markus Zusak's novel The Book Thief, learned about world history, as well as important core lessons within the book.

Subject Area

Grade Level: 9-12

Student Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

Students will learn about the history associated with WWII, develop an understanding for the horrors inflicted by the Nazis of the time. Students will learn about the author Markus Zusak, and his motivations and inspirations for writing The Book Thief. Students will learn about symbology used in flags across the world, and teach the class about a flag of their choosing. Students will be left with a deeper understanding of WWII, government belief system, and lessons taught in The Book Thief.

Minnesota State Academic Standards: 

Daily Planner:
Before reading begins students will watch a short documentary on WWII. Students will learn about the motives behind the war, Axis and Allied forces, and about concentration camps and the horrors inflicted on Jewish people at the time. Along with this students will learn about Markus Zusak and his motivations/ inspirations during the writing of the novel.

Material and Resources Required for Unit:

Student Assessment:

Self Assessment: I picked this unit plan because I thought it paired very well with the novel. I picked The Book Thief because it's a book I remember well, and one that taught me valuable life lessons, and motivated me as a young adult. I feel both the novel and the unit are existing and will engage students and elite them to be apart of the class. I also feel it will have a lasting impact that will result in a positive take away.


-Helpful Links-

Markus Zusak Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7B8ioiZz7M

K-12 academic standards: https://education.mn.gov/mde/dse/stds/

Teaching novels to high school: https://www.mudandinkteaching.org/news/2019/3/30/how-to-teach-a-long-novel

Life lessons from the novel: https://dollynx.wordpress.com/2017/03/01/11-life-lessons-from-markus-zusaks-the-book-thief/


(I downloaded a great PDF lesson plan, having trouble linking it because the google link immediately download the PDF and doesn't send you to a website. I think it was made by Veronica Burke in partnership with The University of Western Australia and some others.)


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