Activity Overview
Understanding the setting of a story, whether fictional or historical, is extremely important for any reader. The historical setting of the Anne Frank diary is paramount to comprehending the significance of the Franks going into hiding and the difficulties they faced there. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl stands on its own as a good read for young people growing up, but is also an excellent book to accompany a unit on the Holocaust.
Even though the occupants of the Secret Annexe are very isolated from the outside world, they still get news from their Dutch helpers and from the radio programs out of England. Anne points out that she is not very interested in politics, and so she does not talk about the particulars very much, but she still keeps us apprised of the major events. Because her future is so dependent on the developments of the war, Anne hints at or directly states important information for “Kitty” to understand her situation.
Whether you teach World War II alongside the Anne Frank diary, or merely review the major events of the war, a timeline is a great activity to map how the story aligns with history. The example timeline only takes a few events into account, but, of course, there are many, many options from which to choose, such as the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, D-Day, the end of the war, when the English or the Americans entered the war, burglaries of the warehouse, arrest of the green grocer for housing Jews, or the start of air raids. Use Anne’s diary and other historical resources to find important events.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Use Anne's Diary and other historical resources to find important events that relate to Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events, policies, and people and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events, policies, and people in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
Understanding the setting of a story, whether fictional or historical, is extremely important for any reader. The historical setting of the Anne Frank diary is paramount to comprehending the significance of the Franks going into hiding and the difficulties they faced there. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl stands on its own as a good read for young people growing up, but is also an excellent book to accompany a unit on the Holocaust.
Even though the occupants of the Secret Annexe are very isolated from the outside world, they still get news from their Dutch helpers and from the radio programs out of England. Anne points out that she is not very interested in politics, and so she does not talk about the particulars very much, but she still keeps us apprised of the major events. Because her future is so dependent on the developments of the war, Anne hints at or directly states important information for “Kitty” to understand her situation.
Whether you teach World War II alongside the Anne Frank diary, or merely review the major events of the war, a timeline is a great activity to map how the story aligns with history. The example timeline only takes a few events into account, but, of course, there are many, many options from which to choose, such as the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, D-Day, the end of the war, when the English or the Americans entered the war, burglaries of the warehouse, arrest of the green grocer for housing Jews, or the start of air raids. Use Anne’s diary and other historical resources to find important events.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Use Anne's Diary and other historical resources to find important events that relate to Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events, policies, and people and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the events, policies, and people in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Diary of Anne Frank: Timeline of Important Events
Engage students with primary sources connected to Anne Frank’s experiences
Integrate primary sources such as letters, photos, and news reports from WWII to help students connect personally with Anne’s world. Authentic materials make history feel real and deepen understanding of the diary’s context.
Select age-appropriate primary sources for your classroom
Choose visuals, newspaper excerpts, or personal letters that align with your students’ reading levels and sensitivities. Preview materials to ensure they are suitable and spark curiosity without overwhelming younger learners.
Introduce the primary sources before reading diary entries
Share context by showing a photo or letter and asking students what they notice or wonder. Encourage predictions about how these materials might relate to Anne’s story.
Guide students to make connections between sources and the diary
After reading a diary entry, compare details with information from the primary source. Prompt students to discuss how the source adds to their understanding of Anne’s experiences or emotions.
Facilitate reflection and sharing
Have students write or discuss how seeing real artifacts changes their perspective on the diary. Encourage empathy by asking how they might feel in Anne’s place.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diary of Anne Frank: Timeline of Important Events
What are the most important events in Anne Frank's diary timeline?
Key events in Anne Frank's diary include the Franks going into hiding, the arrival of the Van Pels and Mr. Dussel, air raids in Amsterdam, the thefts and burglaries at the warehouse, news of D-Day, and the eventual discovery of the Secret Annex. These moments help students connect Anne’s experiences to major World War II events.
How can I teach a timeline of Anne Frank's life to middle school students?
To teach a timeline of Anne Frank's life, have students research significant moments using her diary and historical resources. Guide them to create a visual timeline, labeling each event and adding brief descriptions and illustrations to deepen understanding.
Why is the historical setting important in Anne Frank's diary?
The historical setting provides vital context for Anne Frank's experiences, explaining why her family went into hiding and the dangers they faced. Understanding the setting helps students grasp the impact of World War II and the Holocaust on everyday lives.
What are some tips for creating an Anne Frank diary timeline activity?
Start by selecting key events from the diary and related WWII history. Let students use both the text and outside resources, encourage them to add short descriptions, and include drawings or visuals for each event. This makes the activity engaging and memorable.
How does Anne Frank's diary connect to major World War II events?
Anne Frank’s diary references major WWII events such as D-Day, air raids, and news broadcasts, showing how global events shaped her daily life and hopes. These connections help students relate personal stories to broader history.
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Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
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