The Cats in Krasinski Square Unit Study & Lapbook

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The first time I read this book, I knew I had to write a unit study for it. The story is based on a true event in history, and the language Karen Hesse uses to create this masterpiece is beautiful. If someone asked me for a short list of my favorite picture books, The Cats in Krasinski Square would definitely be at the tippy top. I hope you will love it as much as I do.

The Cats in Krasinski Square is set in Poland during the Holocaust. The story tells the tale of how some brave people used cats to smuggle food past the Gestapo and into the ghetto. Explore the lessons in our The Cats in Krasinski Square unit study and choose the ones that will be best for your student.

The Cats in Krasinski Square Unit Study Lessons

This unit study includes lessons and printables based on the book The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse.

Here are some sample lessons from the The Cats in Krasinski Square Unit Study:

Occupations for Dogs
This story mentions dogs being used by the Gestapo. What other occupations have dogs had in history?

Hearing dogs for the deaf; they are trained to alert people to a ringing telephone, fire alarm, and other household sounds
Service dogs for the disabled; they can help their partners with many everyday tasks, such as opening doors and turning on lights.
Police dogs that help detect unsafe things (bombs, drugs, etc.)
Seeing-eye dogs that help the blind walk safely avoiding obstacles and oncoming traffic.
Army Scout dogs that warn of danger
Sled dogs in artic regions
Dogs that herd sheep and cattle
Guard dogs for homes and businesses
Dogs that assist firefighters

History: Introduction to the Holocaust
This book can be a gentle introduction to this horrific time period. Use some of the following critical thinking questions to help your child understand more about the Holocaust:

1. Why did the main character burn her Jewish armband?
2. Why is she afraid of a knock on the door in the middle of the night?
3. Who did the cats once belong to?
4. Why does the main character not look like a Jew? Why does she walk her Polish walk?
5. Why is Mira, the sister, all that is left of the family? Where are the main character’s mom and dad?

If you want more information for your student regarding the Holocaust, read the author’s note and the historical note at the end of the book.

You can grab a copy of the entire The Cats in Krasinski Square Unit Study and Lapbook in an easy-to-print file at the end of this post.

The Cats in Krasinski Square Lapbook Printables

In addition to the unit study lessons, this file also includes a The Cats in Krasinski Square lapbook with these mini-books:

Cat Math Mini-book
Cat Fur Twice Folded Book
Cat Claws Flap Book
Cat Eyes Flap Book
How Do Cats Communicate? Flap Book
Where in the World Is Poland? Shutterfold
Flag of Poland Simple Fold
Capital City of Poland Simple Fold
Official Language of Poland Simple Fold
Population of Poland Graph
What Time Is It? Comparison Flap Book
Geography of Poland Flap Book
Color Palette
Cat Adjectives Shape Book
Dog Occupations Mini-book

How to Get Started with Your The Cats in Krasinski Square Unit Study & Lapbook

Follow these simple instructions to get started with the The Cats in Krasinski Square Unit Study:

Buy a copy of the book, The Cats in Krasinski Square, or borrow one from your local library.
Print the The Cats in Krasinski Square unit study.
Choose the lessons you want to use with your student (a highlighter works great for this).
Choose and prepare the lapbook printables you want to use with your student.
Enjoy a week of learning with your student.