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
12 June 1942, 14th June 1942
20th June 1942
Theme
Anne receives the diary
About writing a diary and the creation
of Kitty
21st June 1942
Anne at school
9th July 1943
Description of the ‘Secret Annexe’
Literacy: Possible activities (Year.Term)
recount
letter writing (5.3)
recount
play-script (5.1)
writing in a text/voice style (6.1)
description
PSHE: General themes
birthdays, special times
friends, relationships, family,
hopes, loneliness
friends, talents, hopes,
achievements
homes, special places
composition – suspense
summary (6.1)
list
instructional text (5.1)
fear, persecution, freedom,
values, customs
20th October 1942
Almost discovered
17th November 1942
Rules and Regulations
19th November 1942
Life outside in persecution
13th December 1942
Life outside
18th May 1943
Air Raid
4th August 1943
A night time routine
16th September 1943
Fear and relationships
8th November 1943
Moods
11th November 1943
A special thing is lost
recount
description
summary (6.1)
8th February 1944
Getting on each other’s nerves
description
play-script (5.1)
7th March 1944
Looking back
description
recount
6th April 1944
Hobbies
description
Burglars!
NB long extract
note taking
recount
retelling in letter form (5.3)
composition – suspense
police report
fear, teamwork, community,
responsibility
comment on an emotive issue (5.3)
report on a controversial issue (6.2)
persuasive text (5.3
persecution, freedom,
democracy, tolerance, respect,
religious freedom, opinions,
racism
11th April 1944
22nd
May 1944
Anti-Semitism
description
recount
note taking
description
recount
note taking
recount
retelling in letter form (5.3)
newspaper report (5.2)
summary (6.1)
recount
commentary on an issue (5.3)
description
rules, laws, responsibility
persecution, freedom, respect,
religious freedom, racism,
customs
happiness, freedom
fear, freedom
fear, relationships, family,
choices
fear, anxiety, family, friendships,
differences
loss, grief, special things,
possessions
family, friends, moods, sadness,
happiness, community,
relationships
happiness, friends, relationships,
hopes, achievements, values
hobbies, talents, leisure time,
hopes