Literature: "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli
These sites relate to Jerry Spinelli’s novel “Milkweed.” They deal with Nazi Germany, antisemitism, surviving adversity, and the Holocaust. There are articles, lesson plans, activities and a map to Warsaw in 1940. Included are links to eThemes Resources: Author Study: Jerry Spinelli, Holocaust, Literature: “The Diary of Anne Frank,” Writing: Point of View, and Literature: Story Elements.
Grades
- 7
Links
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"Milkweed" Wiki
This wiki includes chapter summaries, vocabulary, notes on theme and characterization, discussion questions, assignment ideas, web resources, and suggested complementary readings. NOTE: This site includes a discussion board. (forum, message board, etc.)
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"Milkweed" Enrichment Activities
This enrichment activities for "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli include: role playing, letter writing, research, looking for what's good, and learning about the holocaust. NOTE: This site includes ads.
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"Milkweed" Teacher's Guide
This teacher's guide for "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli include: suggested thematic connections, summary of the book, pre-reading activity, interdisciplinary connections, vocabulary, links to other titles with similar theme, and a biography of the author.
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A Moment Like This Memoir: Inspired by Ch. 1 of "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli: Writing Lesson
This writing lesson is focused on memoir writing and is linked to chapter one of "Milkweed" by Jerry Spinelli.
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Who Am I? A Unit Exploring Identity inspired by the novel "Milkweed"
This 40-page PDF explores the theme of identity as inspired by Jerry Spinelli's novel "Milkweed."
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A Teacher's Guide to the Holocaust
This site provides a timeline that details the horrors of the Jewish Ghettos from 1939-1941.
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Jewish Virtual Library
This site provides detailed information about the Holocaust and the Jews in Poland.
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1940 Map of Warsaw
This map shows what Warsaw looked like in 1940.
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Children during the Holocaust
Learn more about the experiences of children during the holocaust.
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Antisemitism
This article explores antisemitism - explaining what it is and illustrating how prevalent it was in the years leading up to WWII.
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How did they survive?
This lesson documents how six holocaust survivors managed to remain alive. Read and explore what enabled them to triumph in the face of such extreme adversity.
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eThemes Resource: Author Study: Jerry Spinelli
Learn about the author Jerry Spinelli and the books he has written. Includes his biography, interview transcripts, games, and activities. There are links to eThemes Resources on his books “Crash”, “Fourth Grade Rats”, “Loser”, “Maniac Magee”, and “Stargirl”.
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eThemes Resource: Holocaust
These sites are about the Holocaust and the devastating impact that it had on Jewish people and others. Also includes information about Adolf Hitler, concentration camps, crematoriums, and resistance fighters. There are videos of survivors talking about their experiences, plus many photos. Includes links to eThemes Resources on World War II and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
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eThemes Resource: Literature: "The Diary of Anne Frank"
These sites focus on Anne Frank and her famous diary. Learn more about her life story, her family, friends, and the secret annex where she hid during World War II. There are also many historic photos, online quizzes, lesson plans, and suggested activities. Includes a link to an eThemes Resource on the Holocaust.
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eThemes Resource: Writing: Point of View
Learn about different points of view in literature. Find out how use of a certain point of view can change a story. Learn what pronouns are used for expressing different points of view. The pages include lesson plans, examples, activities, a diagram, and an animated movie. Includes eThemes Resources on interactive writing activities, writing with purpose, and teaching tips with writing assessment tools.
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eThemes Resource: Literature: Story Elements
These sites have hands-on activities and graphic organizers to help students understand the different story elements, including plot, setting, and characterization. Also learn about sequencing and cause and effect. There are links to eThemes Resources on character traits, book activities, and graphic organizers.
Education Standards
