As I mentioned last week, I’ve found my niche. Here is the first of many Literature Unit Studies from Live Love Learn Gracefully. You will notice over the next few weeks that I have a slight obsession with Historical Fiction books especially from the World War II era. This book, When Hitler Stole my Pink Rabbit falls right into this category.
In this Literature Unit Study you will find STEM activities, writing assignments, ideas for math, projects, and so much more.
History:
There are a lot of topics that you can address with this novel. The following topics are prevalent throughout the novel.
- World War II
- Hitler
- Berlin Reichstag Fire 1933
- French Revolution
You can have students create a lapbook, oral presentation using PowerPoint, or write an expository essay.
Georgraphy:
- Map of the places that Anna lives/moved throughout the novel.
- Draw a picture of each place, using details from the text to aid in your drawing.
Literature:
In addition to characterization, character motivation, plot, and the usual literary elements you can also have students focus on these specific aspects.
- Personification
- Dialogue
Writing:
- Compare and contrast her home in the three places she lived.
- Postcards. Discuss the format of a postcard and that the writing of a postcard is supposed to contain only a short message. Choose an event that takes place while Anna’s parents are gone in Paris. Create a postcard picture to portray that event. Then, summarize the event on the back.
- Expository writing: Research refugees. Write a paper explaining what a refugee is. Give examples of refugees from World War II. Where did they go? What did they do?
Math:
- Algebra: You can use their use of trains throughout the novel to discuss various algebra problems.
STEM:
- Build an Eiffel Tower using only Newspaper. For a great engineering project check out Edventures with Kids.
- Build a “steamer” boat. You can talk about buoyancy, mass, etc. Check out this example from SugarAunts.
- Build a train. Study electricity and magnetism. Check out this example from FrugalFun4Boys.
Projects:
- If you were in Anna’s shoes and could only take a few things what would you take and why?
- Anna’s Suitcase. Choose five symbols or objects from the novel that you thinm mean the most or represent Anna the best. Create a suitcase for those objects. Explain why you chose those objects.
Other:
- Sewing. Learn to set on a button, hem or make a dress. Or try another fun sewing project such as a Pencil Case.
- Escargot. Try a new food. Research food that is local to the countries and places that Anna lived.
For more ideas to go along with this Literature Unit Study check out the Pinterest Board: When Hitler Stole my Pink Rabbit Literature Unit.
Feel free to use the unique hashtag to post your projects: #PinkRabbitLLLG.
If you enjoy this unit and would love for me to do a specific book or era in history, please leave a comment. I would love to hear your ideas!
We did a World War II unit a year or so ago and I was so thrilled with all the wonderful children’s books out there! We had a hard time choosing which ones to read. Pinned to my history/geography board.
Thank you for reading and pinning. There are so many great World War II books. Which did you use in your unit?