Research the historical context: Before reading Don’t Tell the Nazis, it is important to understand the historical background of the novel. Assign students to research and present on topics such as World War II, the Holocaust, Nazi occupation, and the experiences of Ukrainian people during this time period. This will provide students with a foundation of knowledge to better understand the events and themes in the novel.

Predicting the plot: Have students examine the cover of the book and read the blurb or summary. Ask them to make predictions about what they think the story will be about based on these clues. Encourage them to think about the time period, the characters, and any other details they can gather from the cover and summary.

Character analysis: Introduce students to the main characters in the novel. Assign each student a character and have them research and create a character profile. They should include details such as the character’s background, personality traits, and motivations. Students can present their character profiles to the class, allowing everyone to gain a deeper understanding of the characters before reading.

Vocabulary exploration: Provide students with a list of vocabulary words that they may encounter while reading Don’t Tell the Nazis. Have them research the definitions and create flashcards or a vocabulary journal. Encourage them to use the words in sentences to demonstrate their understanding. This will help students become familiar with the language and terminology used in the novel.

Journaling: Ask students to write a journal entry from the perspective of a character in the novel. They can choose any character and imagine what their thoughts, feelings, and experiences might be like during the time period. This activity will help students connect with the characters and begin to empathize with their situations before diving into the novel.

Discussion on themes: Introduce students to the major themes in Don’t Tell the Nazis, such as bravery, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Engage them in a class discussion about these themes, asking them to share their thoughts and personal experiences related to these topics. This will help students start thinking critically about the themes they will encounter while reading.

Historical photographs: Show students a collection of photographs from the time period in which the novel is set. These can include images of Nazi occupation, concentration camps, or Ukrainian villages. Ask students to analyze the photographs and discuss their thoughts and emotions evoked by the images. This activity will help students visualize the setting and better understand the historical context of the novel.

Compare and contrast: Have students read a short story or watch a movie set during the same time period as Don’t Tell the Nazis. Ask them to compare and contrast the experiences of the characters in the short story or movie with those in the novel. This will help students make connections and deepen their understanding of the historical events and themes explored in the novel.