Graphic Novel Anne Frank’s Diary full novel study lesson can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers by clicking HERE.
Graphic Novel Anne Frank’s Diary can be an incredibly powerful and emotional experience. Written by Anne Frank during her hiding from the Nazis in World War II, her diary is an incredible testimony of human courage and resilience in the face of adversity. And when adapted into a graphic novel by Ari Folman and illustrated by David Polonsky, “Anne Frank’s Diary” becomes a timeless work of art that encapsulates her story in a unique way. Let’s look at some ways to teach this important graphic novel to students.
Provide Historical Context
Before reading or discussing any part of the graphic novel, provide students with context about World War II and the Holocaust. This should include information about Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, and Anne Frank’s life before she and her family went into hiding. Providing students with background knowledge will help them understand why certain decisions were made by Anne and her family while they were in hiding. Additionally, it will help them better appreciate the importance of Anne’s diary as a primary source document.
Engage Students Through Discussion
The graphic novel provides an excellent opportunity for discussions about how people can remain hopeful even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Ask questions that prompt students to think deeply about how they would have handled similar situations if they had been in Anne’s shoes. Encourage students to express their empathy towards those who lived through these difficult times by identifying moments of courage within the story, such as when Otto Frank attempts to keep his family together despite the odds being against them.
Encourage Reflection
Have students write a reflection piece after reading and discussing the graphic novel about what they learned from it and how it changed their perspective on history or life overall. Assignments like this will help ensure that your students take away important lessons from reading this book rather than just viewing it as another assignment that must be completed before moving on to something else. Suggested topics could include bravery in dark times, hope amidst tragedy, or standing up for what you believe in even when it’s unpopular to do so.
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Using Visual Elements
The power of the graphic novel lies in its ability to tell a complex story through both words and images. Educators should encourage students to pay attention to both elements as they read. Discussing how each panel or page conveys a certain emotion or feeling can help them better understand Anne and her experiences during this time period. Additionally, having students create their own illustrations can also allow them to further engage with the text and gain insight into Anne’s life.
Providing Further Resources
In addition to reading “Anne Frank’s Diary,” educators should also provide students with further resources such as videos or articles about Anne’s life after she wrote the book or other stories of people who experienced similar struggles during this time period. This will help broaden their understanding of World War II while also teaching them important lessons about resilience and courage in difficult times.
Teaching “Anne Frank’s Diary” is an excellent opportunity for educators to discuss one of history’s most heartbreaking moments with their students while also providing valuable lessons on human courage and resilience under extreme circumstances. By discussing its historical context, using visual elements from the book, and providing further resources, educators can create engaging lessons that will help bring these lessons home for their students.
To read a blog post article on “White Bird” by R.J. Palacio, click HERE.
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