Using Diaries in ESL classrooms
Diaries have provided historians and people an insight into the past. They have been used by many famous individuals to document what is happening to them throughout history as well as what was happening to their country at the time as well. Numerous diaries have been published and there are several that have hit a historical status and have remained as best sellers on literary lists throughout the world.
One of the most famous diaries is that of Anne Frank. Anne Frank depicted her life in hiding during World War II through her personal diary "Kitty." The diary described life with her family and four friends in Amsterdam during German occupation. As she and her family were Jewish, they were forced to hide in a hidden apartment.
The diary for which she is famous was given to her on her thirteenth birthday. The diary chronicles the life of her and her family from June 12, 1942 to August 1, 1944. The book was originally published by her father, Otto Frank, who returned to Amsterdam and found the book. The original title was The Backhouse: Diary Notes from 12 June 1942-1 August 1944. The book would later be published as The Diary of a Young Girl. The book has been translated from Dutch into several languages and has also been made into films, television movies, theatrical productions and an opera. Anne Frank accurately described every detail of what it was like to live under Nazi occupation in hiding.
I am writing diary during my college period and personally feel that diary is can be our friend when no one cares or around us. life is ten percent what happens to us and ninety percent how we react to it.so, when i was in Sabah for a camping for 12 days(1993) my wife took all the diaries and starts to read and the moment i back from Sabah on 23rd November 1993,she was so angry that i have hide many things.
Its also make some kind of experiences will motivate students to tell their bad experiences and tragedies.
regards,
JayKandiah
