Via RSSThe Story of Movies
I just received John Norton’s "Of Particular Interest" email newsletter for middle school teachers. His review of The Story of Movies website caught my attention, so I took a brief trip over there.
The Story of Movies currently offers 3 DVD curriculum choices: The Day the Earth Stood Still, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Here is what is included:
- A DVD of the selected film for in-depth study. The Film Foundation recommends that all classes view the entire film prior to beginning the teaching unit.
- A Teacher’s Guide, featuring lessons with teaching objectives, detailed, step-by-step instructions for presenting each activity, and answer keys. Appendices include chapter tests with answer keys, performance-based assessment activities, and National Film Study Standards. A glossary provides definitions of key terms relative to the study of film. In addition, transparencies for projecting graphic organizers are included.
- A Student Activities Booklet, which includes graphic organizers, Screening Sheets to be used while viewing the film clips, and reading, writing, visual-thinking, and group activities sheets.
- A DVD that includes selected film clips or segments, most of which have a running time of 3 minutes or less. Also included on the DVD are movie stills and photographs.
Best of all, all the materials are free! I signed up to receive the materials for To Kill a Mockingbird (although my favorite movie on the list is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington!).
The Story of Movies is a co-production of the Film Institute, IBM, and Turner Classic Movies.
One thing to note: currently materials are out of print, so it will be next year before I am able to use them. Keep your eyes out for a review of how it goes!
