Anne Frank KS2

Teaching about Anne Frank at KS2 helps children understand the human impact of World War 2 and the Holocaust through the experiences of one young girl. Anne Frank's diary has become one of the world's most famous historical documents, giving readers a unique insight into life during the Nazi occupation of Europe.

This guide includes an Anne Frank biography for KS2, key facts about Anne Frank, and ideas for teaching this important topic in the classroom.

Who Was Anne Frank?

Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who lived during World War 2. She became famous because of the diary she wrote while hiding from the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Anne was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on 12 June 1929. When Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power, Anne's family moved to Amsterdam in the Netherlands to escape growing persecution of Jewish people.

When Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940, Jewish families faced increasing restrictions. In 1942, Anne and her family went into hiding in a secret annex behind her father's business premises. While hiding, Anne kept a diary in which she recorded her thoughts, feelings and experiences.

After more than two years in hiding, the family was discovered and arrested. Anne later died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. Her father, Otto Frank, survived the war and published Anne's diary, helping her story become known around the world.

Anne Frank Biography KS2 Timeline

• 1929 - Anne Frank is born in Frankfurt, Germany.
• 1933 - The Frank family moves to Amsterdam.
• 1940 - Germany invades the Netherlands.
• 1942 - Anne receives a diary for her thirteenth birthday and begins writing in it.
• 1942 - The Frank family goes into hiding in the Secret Annex.
• 1944 - The family is discovered and arrested.
• 1945 - Anne dies in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
• 1947 - Anne's diary is published by her father.

10 Anne Frank Facts KS2

1. Anne Frank was born on 12 June 1929.
2. She was a Jewish girl living during World War 2.
3. Her family moved from Germany to the Netherlands.
4. Anne received her diary on her thirteenth birthday.
5. She spent over two years hiding from the Nazis.
6. The hiding place became known as the Secret Annex.
7. Anne hoped to become a writer one day.
8. Her diary describes daily life during the war.
9. Her father, Otto Frank, was the only member of the immediate family to survive the war.
10. Anne Frank's diary has been translated into many languages and is read throughout the world.

Why Is Anne Frank Important?

Anne Frank's diary provides a personal account of life during one of the darkest periods in history. Through her writing, children can learn about World War 2, the Holocaust, discrimination and the importance of treating others with respect and kindness.

Her story helps make history more relatable by showing how global events affected ordinary families and children.

Anne Frank's Diary

Anne Frank and World War 2

Anne Frank's experiences are often studied as part of a KS2 World War 2 topic. Her diary helps children understand what life was like under Nazi rule and how Jewish families were affected by the Holocaust.

Studying Anne Frank alongside other World War 2 sources encourages pupils to develop empathy, historical enquiry skills and an understanding of why remembering the past is important.

Teaching Anne Frank in Lower KS2

If you are introducing WW2 to younger pupils, our Lower KS2 World War 2 lessons provide an age-appropriate introduction to key events and people from the period.

👉 Explore the Lower KS2 World War 2 Anne Frank lesson pack

Anne Frank KS2 FAQs

What is Anne Frank famous for?

Anne Frank is famous for the diary she wrote while hiding from the Nazis during World War 2.

How old was Anne Frank when she started her diary?

Anne Frank was thirteen years old when she began writing her diary.

What was the Secret Annex?

The Secret Annex was the hidden part of a building in Amsterdam where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding.

Why do schools study Anne Frank?

Schools study Anne Frank because her diary provides a powerful first-hand account of World War 2 and helps children understand the importance of tolerance, equality and human rights.

Is Anne Frank suitable to study in KS2?

Yes. Anne Frank is commonly studied in Upper KS2 as part of World War 2 history topics, with content adapted appropriately for the age and maturity of the children.