Find the stories, films, and tools that speak to who you are—and who you're becoming.
Whether you're tired of boring English classes, want to write better essays, or are curious about movies that actually mean something—this is your space. These posts, discussions, activities, and courses are designed for students who learn differently, think deeply, and want to be challenged (in a good way).
Smart. Skeptical. Bored in English class. I got you.
You’re not “bad” at reading or writing. You just need stories and films that actually interest you.
Need to Improve Your Writing?
- If you can write a paragraph, but are confused at what your English teacher may be looking for, check out the Analytical Paragraph Bootcamp
- The course includes mentor texts, or models of student writing, and walks you through how to grade the different parts of the paragraph, so you understand what to improve in your own writing
- You'll take a close look at thesis/topic sentences
- Here's a separate post that gives you a variety of examples of thesis statements (in case that's where you want to focus)
- You'll also practice evaluating evidence choice
- You'll explore the difference between analysis and reasoning
- And look at ways to improve concluding sentences and conclusions
- You'll also be able to measure your growth and learning from the bootcamp, because it starts with a pre-assessment practice paragraph and ends with a final assessment paragraph
Stories that reflect your life—and writing tools that amplify your voice.
You deserve literature and film that speaks to your identity, experience, and intelligence. These courses help you grow your skills with stories that actually matter.
Do You Have Good Ideas, But Aren't Earning A's on Your Writing Assignments?
- You should check out the Unlocking Literary Analysis Course, which features mentor texts and multiple practice activities with Sandra Cisneros's The House on Mango Street
- The course will walk you through commonly occurring figurative language and literary devices such as:
- Then, even if you know how to write a paragraph, it will walk you through the building blocks of writing a rich literary analysis paragraph
- You'll look closely at examples of figurative language analysis
- You'll learn and review how to integrate evidence and quotations
- You'll learn the difference between analysis and reasoning, and break down real student writing to see these critical thinking skills effectively articulated in writing
- After reviewing the building blocks you'll practice identifying theme, and creating a theme/thesis statement that synthesizes evidence across a text (from multiple chapters of The House on Mango Street)
- And by the end of the course, you'll be able to measure your growth in reading and writing, since there is...
For Deep Thinkers & Global Minds
Academic challenge meets creative thinking. Perfect for IB, AP, or worldschooling teens.
View Available ResourcesLooking to build college-ready skills while exploring global literature and cinema? These courses and resources are made for you. Expect depth, nuance, and big ideas.
Spotlight Courses:
- When the Emperor Was Divine: Study identity, symbolism, and silence in Julie Otsuka’s novel about Japanese internment. (Materials already available)
- Parasite Film Studies: Analyze genre, satire, and class struggle in Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning masterpiece. (Course Coming Soon)
Watch & Analyze a Trending Film (A24's Opus)
- Analyze the Opening Sequence of Opus
- Practice with characterization, and analyzing sound
- Analyze Ariel's lunch with her boyfriend, Kent
- Practice with narrative perspective and point-of-view
- Analyze the ensemble cast of Opus
- Review allegory and unpack how it functions in Opus
- Analyze the arrival to Moretti's enclave
- Practice analyzing mood and tone, and understanding/articulating how filmmakers create both
- Analyze ASMR horror in Opus
- Practice identifying and analyzing the use of sound
Challenge Yourself With Detailed Film Analysis:
- Learn how to do a detailed shot-by-shot film sequence analysis
- Analyze the Opening Sequence of La Cocina
- Analyze the Opening Credit Sequence of Coraline
- Analyze the Opening Sequence of Ex Machina
- Analyze the Opening Sequence of It Follows (👻 not for the faint of heart!)
- Practice analyzing a sequence from Barry Jenkins' award winning film, Moonlight
- Practice descriptive and analytical writing with a Parallel Frame Analysis from Into the Spider-verse
Get Access to the Complete Lit & Lens Society Library for $15/month. Cancel anytime. New resources & activities added every week.