Middle school teachers are often forgotten. Elementary is fun and the kids are usually sweet. High schools are mini adults and can think and reason. Middle schoolers are their own breed. They are not yet young adults but are no longer children. Their cognitive skill is still being developed, but they must be constantly challenged. If middle school students are not entertained, they will create their own entertainment. As an urban teacher, we attempt to educate students with challenges that extend far beyond the walls of a classroom. My goal is to defy these odds and make learning fun and relevant. To give the one key out of poverty...
At the end of a school year, relevant and fun learning is a hard goal to reach! This year, I have given in to the film study bandwagon in my building. For years, I was told not to just show movies at the end of the year, which I still agree with. I now see the benefit of analyzing film from a reader/writer's point of view. I first sent home a parent letter for an option out of the PG13 movies, (cross all your Ts!) for The Pursuit of Happyness and Freedom Writers. I started google searching for existing study guides to find... practically nothing. There are some guides out there but they are meant for high school and up. So I created my own. I'll post them below. Each movie is approx. 120 minutes, perfect to stretch across 3 days for about 40 minutes. I would give students guidance before the movie and time to complete portions of the study guide after the film each day.
So, here is my effort to put out there what we all want and need as teachers- more resources premade to pass along. I'm hoping to upload more this summer and keep this going as my time allows!
(A general overview below, see linked attachments for student resources.)
The Pursuit of Happyness- click for study guide
Guiding Question: What is the American Dream? How does this relate to ancient civilizations' social classes?
Show first 5 minutes of 20/20 interview with Chris Gardner *Stop at 4:21
Previewing Activity questions on study guide
3 segments of movie time
Review/Closure: Connection/Reflection questions
Freedom Writers- click for study guide
Guiding Question: Would racism exist if everyone were blind?
Show movie trailer
Previewing Activity questions on study guide
3 segments of movie time
Review/ Closure: Connection/Reflection questions
Participate in the Line Game as seen in the movie
More questions/writing prompts (mostly higher level)