Computer and projector, Mobile devices for students, Speakers
Activity Description
Source: Anne Frank (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])
This site offers in excess of 150 lessons/activities using biographies and profiles of famous people. For this activity, we have chosen Anne Frank, but if another famous person fits better with your goals/topic, feel free to select a different one. Each offers a transcript with an MP3 audio file for listening practice, and the following activities: a synonym match, a phrase match, a listening gap fill, a correct word choice, spelling, organizing the text, scrambled sentences, discussion, and writing. Reading level varies from Beg. High - Adv. ESL. There are also online activities to go with the lessons.
Preparation
Visit the site using the link to Example Web Site (above) to be sure it is not blocked at your school.
Look for the "Downloads" navigation bar (it is currently green) and download the Word Doc or PDF and print the lesson activities for your students. Be sure to avoid the other "Download and Play Now" buttons that are part of the advertising on this site.
Make sure you can play the MP3 files on the teacher computer and that the speakers are loud enough.
Teacher Tips
If you have more computers (perhaps a computer lab), let the students complete the Online Exercise associated with Anne Frank
Some topics related to World War II and persecution may be emotional or sensitive.
Provide a historical background before the lesson.
Use mixed-level groups for support.
Pause audio frequently for comprehension checks.
More Ways
Use one of the many other Famous People Lessons in the same way you did this one, having students complete the already provided exercises.
After listening to several profiles, reading the information, and completing exercises, students can select a "famous person" of their own and create a profile as an individual project or as group project.
Let students create a PowerPoint noting the highlights of their famous person and have them present the PowerPoint in class.
Program Areas
ABE: Adult Basic Education
Levels
Low
Intermediate
High
All Levels
View Lesson Plan
Warm-up
Engagement
Objective Activate prior knowledge and introduce themes related to Anne Frank’s life.
Activity Write these words on the board:
diary
courage
hope
hiding
World War II
Ask students:
What connections do you notice between these words?
What do you know about Anne Frank?
Think-Pair-Share Students discuss:
Why personal stories are important in history
What people can learn from diaries or journals
Class Discussion Briefly introduce:
World War II
Anne Frank’s life and diary
Themes of resilience and hope
Introduction
Objective Introduce the Famous People Lessons format and lesson goals.
Students will listen, read, discuss, and write about Anne Frank.
Activities will help improve:
vocabulary
listening
speaking
writing skills
Vocabulary Preview Introduce keywords:
Word Meaning diary a personal journal persecution unfair treatment refuge a safe place courage bravery during difficulty survive continue living
Presentation
Enhancement
Objective Model listening and comprehension strategies.
Teacher Think-Aloud
Play the MP3 audio and model:
Listening for key ideas
Taking notes
Identifying important vocabulary
Using context clues
Guided Reading Read part of the transcript together.
Comprehension Questions Ask:
What challenges did Anne Frank face?
Why is her diary important today?
What personal qualities helped her remain hopeful?
Practice
Engagement
Objective Students complete collaborative listening and language activities.
Activity 1: Synonym Match Students:
Match vocabulary words with synonyms
Compare answers with partners
Activity 2: Phrase Match Students:
Match sentence halves
Discuss meaning with small groups
Activity 3: Listening Gap Fill Play the MP3 again while students fill in the missing words.
Activity 4: Correct Word Choice Students identify correct vocabulary or grammar choices.
Activity 5: Scrambled Sentences Students:
Reconstruct sentences
Practice syntax and comprehension
Co-Use Strategy Students:
Discuss answers collaboratively
Explain reasoning to classmates
Support one another with vocabulary
Evaluation
Engagement
Objective Assess comprehension, vocabulary, and participation in discussion.
Discussion Activity Students work in pairs:
Student A asks discussion questions
Student B responds and elaborates
Quick Writing Students write:
One paragraph summarizing Anne Frank’s life OR
A reflection on why her story remains important
Teacher assesses:
Vocabulary use
Comprehension
Participation
Application
Engagement Extension
Objective Extend biography learning through research and personal reflection.
Extension Activities Students may:
Research another historical figure
Create a biography PowerPoint
Write a diary entry from Anne Frank’s perspective
Compare Anne Frank’s experiences to modern examples of resilience
Homework Students:
Interview classmates using survey questions
Write additional reflections
Complete online activities from the website
View Tags
Listening, reading, writing, Cesar Chavez, discussion, famous people, Famous People Lessons, group work, listening activities, listening gap, mp3, pair work, read along, spelling, survey, synonyms, assisted reading, audio assist, biographies
View Creative Commons License
CC BY-SA:This license allows reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator. The license allows for commercial use. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.
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https://famouspeoplelessons.com/copyright.html
You Are Given Permission...
to print out and duplicate paper copies of these lessons to be used by your own students or for private study purposes by students.
to link directly to any materials on this site, including the MP3 files. (Link info.)
to download the MP3 files for teaching purposes in class or for listening practice by students.
to reproduce the Article (but not the exercises that go with it) on any site, providing the following live link accompanies it (directly beneath or above):
"Online activities, the mp3 and printable handouts are available for this lesson at https://www.famouspeoplelessons.com"
(reproduction does not extend to the Article being incorporated into online activities)
You must keep this site's name and/or lesson URL on every page of the materials you use.
You must keep the original title and wording (although spelling may be changed according to British or American English).
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View AI Reference
AI was used to rewrite this activity in the WIPPEA format
