The Planning Room
Intro to Film Studies Pacing Guide Week 1
Start Film Studies with Film-Related Bingo, Box Office Trivia, and the Self/Us/Now Community Building Activities. Free Week 1–2 pacing guide.
Halloween
Frankenweenie — Pre-Viewing & Activation Questions
Activate prior knowledge before watching Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie with 8 open-ended prompts on monsters, symbolism, parody, and fear. Perfect Halloween warm-up or film study intro for grades 7–10.
9th Grade ELA
The Rematch — Close Reading & Characterization Lesson (BJ Novak)
Makes satire and characterization come alive with this 1–2 day lesson that includes guided reading questions and differentiated prompts that help middle and high school students analyze diction, irony, and theme while practicing evidence-based discussion.
9th Grade ELA
How to Engage Students When Teaching Analytical Writing
My students used to breeze through short stories just so they could move on. Then I introduced BJ Novak’s bizarre, hilarious short stories—and suddenly, they were asking to read more. That’s when I realized the most accessible texts can also spark the deepest thinking. Why Start With
Film Studies
3 Shots and Film Frame Analysis Practice in Opus
Analyzing 3 shots and other film analysis practice moments in Opus.
Film Studies
Opus & ASMR Horror
Why ASMR is perfect for horror, and what is Green satirizing?
Film Studies
Atmosphere in Opus: Arriving at Moretti's Enclave
Revisit the arrival to Moretti's enclave in Opus to look closely at how Green establishes atmosphere.
Film Studies
The Allegory of Opus
Unpacking the allegory of A24's Opus characters.
Film Studies
Opus & The Middle Perspective
Unpacking Ariel's role as the audience surrogate in A24's Opus.
Film Studies
Opus Opening Sequence
Analyze character and world in the opening sequence of A24's horror satire film, Opus.
Film Studies
Opus Movie Review – A24’s Wellness Horror & the Ethics of Influence
Quick thoughts on A24's Opus - is the movie pointless or purposeful? Is it possible to be ethical in late stage capitalism and the influencer economy?
Poetry
Defining the Indefinable: A Poetry Kickoff Lesson Using Quotes from Poets
Poetry intimidates some students—and honestly, some teachers too. It's abstract, personal, packed with hidden meanings, and often taught with more reverence than real curiosity. That’s why I like to start my poetry unit by admitting something radical: there is no one definition of poetry. Instead of