Students in first and fifth periods did a close reading of a text describing Anne Frank’s hiding place and worked in partners to sketch a floor plan from the text. We began with the main office building, working as a class to figure out just how to examine the text to create the schematic.

First period’s initial sketches

Afterward, students worked with a partner to determine the layout of the hideout itself, based on this description:

The door to the right of the landing leads to the “Secret Annex” at the back of the house. No one would ever suspect there were so many rooms behind that plain gray door. There’s just one small step in front of the door, and then you’re inside. Straight ahead of you is a steep flight of stairs. To the left is a narrow hallway opening onto a room that serves as the Frank family’s living room and bedroom. Next door is a smaller room, the bedroom and study of the two young ladies of the family. To the right of the stairs is a windowless washroom. with a link. The door in the corner leads to the toilet and another one to Margot’s and my room. If you go up the itairs and open the door at the top, you’re surprised to see such a large, light and spacious room in an old canal-side house like this. It contains a stove (thanks to the fact hat it used to be Mr. Kugler’s laboratory) and a sink. This will be the kitchen and bedroom of Mr. and Mrs. van Daan, as well as the general living room, dining room and study for us all. A tiny side room is to be Peter van Daan’s bedroom. Then, just as in the front part of the building, there’s an attic and a loft. So there you are. Now I’ve introduced you to the whole of our lovely Annex!

It certainly would have been easier if they’d had these models to look at:

Secret Annex, lower level

Secret Annex, upper level

Second and fourth periods spent the day planning their Odyssey project. We’ll have Friday for planning, then Monday and Wednesday (we’ll be out Tuesday for the election) will be building/testing days.

English I Students at Work

Homework

• First and fifth periods: complete the effective readers’ skills work for the July 11th entry.
• Second and fourth periods:
  • do any additional planning or preparation your group might have assigned you;
  • write in the project planning journal, reflecting on your progress thus far.