Suggested Literacy Activities Linked to the Diary of Anne Frank

Suggested activities for key stage 2 linked to the diary of Anne Frank

Literacy

Word and sentence level work

The diary provides many possibilities for the use of extracts to explore objectives within these levels of work.

Text Level Work

It would be possible to explore many of the text level objectives, particularly those relating to non-fiction texts, using extracts from the diary. The extract list which follows may be useful for choosing appropriate sections. Possible activities relating back to objectives for years 5 and 6 of the National Literacy Strategy are noted. There are so many possibilities that the list only provides a small sample.

Recount and diary entries are noted in a number of terms.

A video copy of the film may be useful for comparison between print and film (6.1).

A copy of the Macdonalds Historical Storybook, Anne Frank: The Last Days of Freedom by Roy Apps (ISBN 0-7500-2111-X) would also be a good source for extracts. (New Publisher: Hodder-Wayland)

Religious Education

Although the Agreed Syllabus for RE (for key stage 2) does not focus on many of the issues around the situation Anne Frank and her family were in, there are many opportunities to link the study of the diary with religious expression and the freedom to demonstrate and live by one’s beliefs. Exploring the Jewish way of life through the objectives in the syllabus can be linked to religious freedom, tolerance, persecution and justice.

Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship

The extract list shows general themes relating to the above. The use of circle time to explore issues and ideas within the text, followed by personal responses, written or otherwise would certainly help the pupils in developing their own values, thoughts and attitudes.

Sex Education

There are different versions of Anne’s diary. The content of the definitive editions includes references to Anne’s growth into a young woman, some of which may not be considered appropriate for some children, but much of which may be appropriate to be used within a programme of sex and relationships education. Diary entries from the end of 1943 onwards cover areas such as menstruation, sex and relationships.

Extract list

Diary entry

Theme