Using The Diary of Anne Frank Movie to Teach Lessons
May 20, 2023Are you a teacher or parent seeking a film that can educate your children or students about empathy, leadership, and historical context? Look no further than The Diary of Anne Frank. This blog post will explore the educational value of this classic film, highlighting its key concepts and how it can be used as a teaching tool. So, should you be using The Diary of Anne Frank movie to teach lessons about empathy and leadership? Absolutely!
The K12 Deets
The Diary of Anne Frank is a 1959 drama film that has become a classic in the world of cinema. It’s a story of empathy, leadership, and the struggle for civil rights.
- Running Time: 180 minutes
- Rating: NR
- IMDb The Diary of Anne Frank
- IMDb Parents Guide
What is The Diary of Anne Frank about?
The Diary of Anne Frank is a powerful story based on Anne Frank’s diary. It chronicles the two years a Jewish teen named Anne Frank and her family spent hiding from Nazis in their Amsterdam textile factory’s secret annex. The Franks are sequestered in the small loft with another Jewish family, and an older dentist, all the while, Anne keeps a running commentary in her diary.
Why show The Diary of Anne Frank to your children/students?
The Diary of Anne Frank is a film that offers valuable life lessons and educational content. It’s a testament to the human spirit, demonstrating that with empathy, understanding, and leadership, one can make a significant impact. Here are the educational key concepts that the movie embodies:
- Coming of Age: Anne’s journey from an awkward 13-year-old to a mature 15-year-old is a classic coming-of-age story. Her relationship with the slightly older Peter develops into a romance, despite their shared confinement offering little privacy.
- Empathy & EQ: The movie encourages viewers to empathize with Anne’s situation, fostering emotional intelligence. It’s a lesson on understanding and sharing the feelings of others, particularly those who are different or less privileged.
- Ethics and Moral Decision Making: The film raises ethical questions about justice and fairness, prompting viewers to think about their own moral decisions.
- Historical Context: The movie provides a historical context, set in the time of the Holocaust. It offers a glimpse into the societal norms and racial tensions of the time.
- Leadership Skills: Anne’s determination and positive attitude make her a role model, showcasing essential leadership skills such as perseverance, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire others.
Why use a Movie Guide?
Our K12MovieGuides The Diary of Anne Frank Movie Guide is an excellent tool to help navigate the educational opportunities presented in the film. It provides thought-provoking questions and discussion prompts, allowing learners to delve deeper into the movie’s themes and lessons.

What are teachers saying about this movie guide?
I loved how professionally done this assignment was. It is a great way to keep the students engaged during the movie. I loved having the time stamps as well. I would pause the movie at those time stamps to allow students to answer the questions and we would briefly discuss. Overall, great activity. ~Samantha A. (Rated 5 out of 5)
For more reviews and ratings like these go to TeachersPayTeachers where this movie guide is also available here.
The K12 Kibosh Score (93/100)
K12MovieGuides awards The Diary of Anne Frank an impressive 93 out of 100! This score reflects the film’s unique blend of entertainment and educational merit, making it a perfect choice for both classroom and home-based learning.
The Diary of Anne Frank is a film that beautifully illustrates the concept of coming of age. Anne Frank, the protagonist, undergoes a significant transformation from a naive 13-year-old girl to a mature 15-year-old young woman. Despite the harsh and terrifying circumstances, she manages to maintain her positivity and hope, demonstrating the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, the film provides a powerful exploration of empathy and emotional intelligence. As viewers, we are drawn into Anne’s experiences and emotions, feeling her fear, hope, and despair alongside her. This emotional journey fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging viewers to consider the experiences and feelings of others.
Lastly, the film’s portrayal of leadership skills is truly inspiring. Despite her young age and the dire circumstances, Anne shows remarkable leadership qualities. Her determination, positivity, and ability to inspire others serve as a powerful lesson for young viewers about the importance of leadership, even in the most challenging situations.
This aspect of the film significantly contributes to its high K12 Kibosh Score, making The Diary of Anne Frank an excellent movie choice for young minds that combines entertainment and education seamlessly.