Part 2: Distance Learning – A History Lesson
Virtual tours are the ultimate in distance learning. In this second of a series on long distance learning we focus on the opportunity to combine language arts and history. This unit of study on the Holocaust (appropriate for learners Grade 7-Adult) is shown through the eyes of a young girl. A virtual tour of Anne Frank’s secret annex helps the reader develop a deeper understanding of this time in history. The Holocaust is something everyone should learn about and there is no time like the present.
Virtual Tours – The Ultimate in Distance Learning
One great thing about technology is the ability to visit places around the world from the comfort of your own home. While exploring the possibilities available to learners we came across this AMAZING virtual tour of Anne Frank’s secret apartment. This tour also provides background information on the people who hid from the Nazis for over two years and includes a timeline of Hitler’s rise to power, Anne Frank’s life, and WWII. Making use of this website before reading ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’, will help the book come alive for the reader.
Literature
After taking a tour of Anne Frank’s hideaway, have your child read, or listen to, The Diary of Anne Frank. As your child reads, he or she can return to the virtual tour of the home to enhance the experience and improve visualization skills. Don’t have a copy of the book at home? If you have a library card, you may be able to use the Overdrive App to download an audiobook from your local library. If not, The NY Public library is allowing folks to download books for free. Otherwise, if you prefer to purchase the book, the Kindle App can get the book into the reader’s hands almost instantly.
Writing
Keeping a diary is one way for your child to connect with these real-life characters. This activity is even more relevant given the circumstances in 2020. In addition, journal writing can help your child process the range of emotions he or she is more than likely encountering. Writing is a wonderful outlet for people of all ages. This brief article explains how keeping a journal, especially during this unprecedented time, can have historical significance.
As always, we’d love to get your feedback. Stay well and click here for some inspirational quotes by Anne Frank.
