Growing UpBefore you read the play (25 points):
- Many cultures have rituals about growing up. Learn about rituals from several cultures, such as the vision quest of some American Indians groups, the Jewish bar mitzvah or the walkabout of the Australian Aboriginal people. Find out the purposes of these rituals and the elements that they have in common. Then write a short story about a person going through a growing up ritual.
- Growing up sometimes means learning hard lessons. When you have felt that you have had enough of growing up? Create a cartoon with at least three panels, showing how much trouble growing up can be.
While you read the play (25 points):
- When Anne's family first goes into hiding, she has strong opinions about everyone in the Secret Annex. For example, she is often furious with her mother and with Mrs. Van Daan, and she is scornful of Peter. By the end of the diary she has matured, and her opinions about most of the other people in the Annex have changed. Fill in a chart (using MSWord) showing the changes in Anne's attitudes and the reasons for the changes. Try to show examples from the play that illustrate those changes.
After you read the play (50 points):
- One of the signs of approaching adulthood is looking at world wide issues and trying to find solutions. Children in some warring countries today face the same kinds of threats that Anne faced and must find the same kinds of courage. Learn more about the way that current conflict affects the children involved. Then plan a way to help or support these children. For example, you might find out how and where to donate items that the children need, or you might find ways to start a fund to help evacuate children from war zones.
- After watching the movie “The Diary of Anne Frank” write a review in which you compare the book to the movie. Which provides a clearer record of Anne's growing up? Discuss the strengths of each and explain your responses to each. Choose a scene from the movie that could be used to illustrate your review.
