Book Club

Day 1 How does Anne resemble most thirteen-year-olds you know? Is she similar or different than most? (T-Chart) The Franks decide to go into hiding in Holland rather than try to escape to another country. Why do you think they made that choice?

Day 2 Why do you think Anne is able to adjust rather positively to her life in hiding? What traits does she possess that contribute to her ability to cope? In what ways is a diary a unique form of literature? How does a diary compare to a novel or memoir? Why do people write diaries? Why would a diary be particularly helpful to someone in hiding?

Day 3 What do you think is the point of the classroom restrictions activity we conducted this week? How might it be symbolic? Read the poem you pasted in your writing journal by Martin Niemöller. What is his point? Circle the textual evidence that leads you to this conclusion. What is the purpose and effect of his use of parallelism?  How does this poem relate to our classroom activity?

Day 4 Why is Anne in conflict with most of the adults in the “Annexe”? Which of Anne’s characteristics do you think prompt this conflict? From Anne’s perspective, what is the basis of her conflict with her mother? The Van Daans? Mr. Dussel? Personification is the giving of human characteristics to inanimate objects. How does Anne personify her diary? Why does she write in her diary as though she is writing to another person?

Day 5 Re-read p. 16-18 that describe the Secret Annexe. Read the excerpt from Maus, a graphic novel, where Vladek Spiegelman tells his son about hiding from the Nazis. (Tape into your journal.) Make a Venn Diagram in your journal that compares and contrasts the following concerns: Hiding space Duration (length of time hiding) Comfort/Conditions Genre of the writing

Day 6 Review the “Prospectus and Guide” handout. As a group, look for the following: Figurative meanings Meanings of words Impact of word choice on tone Analysis of the overall organization How do those in hiding use humor to cope with these rules? How does the diary illustrate the idea that courage and hope can triumph over the most difficult circumstances? How do the residents of the “Annexe” react to the restrictions on their activities? How do they express humor? How does their humor express hope?

Day 7 Implicit vs. Explicit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK1KCcwy20k&safe=active Read the passage aloud. What is the text saying explicitly? What is the text saying implicitly (reading between the lines)? What do these inferences tell you about Anne’s character and relationships with others?

Day 8 SILENT CONVERSATION WITH POETRY: Read the passage (“Tuesday, 7 March, 1944”). Mark Anne’s main points (underline, draw arrows, circle words, make notes, pose questions). How is she feeling? How has she changed? Read the poem, “My Life” by Billy Collins. Mark the poem. What point is the speaker making? Why? What words or phrases stand out? Compare and contrast the two texts. What are the deeper meanings here? What do the poem and Anne have to say about life? What do they say about nature?

Day 9 Read the sample passages from Anne’s diary. Make brackets to show which paragraphs you think are mostly factual and which ones express emotions. Paste the chart into your journal and complete it using the passages. Based on your chart, what can you conclude about Anne’s writing style? Does Anne’s writing change with the subject matter she presents (facts versus feelings)? Explain using specific examples.

Day 10 Revision in Focus: