9th Grade ELA
Into the Spider-Verse Film Analysis: Visual Literacy & Foreshadowing (pt. 3)
Explore the visual storytelling and character dynamics in 'Into the Spider-Verse' through our detailed film analysis series
Film
Into the Spider-Verse
After the Viewing Questions: Teaching Into the Spider-Verse
Explore post-viewing strategies and discussion prompts for teaching Into the Spider-Verse in middle and high school English or film classes (can be used as a discussion prompts for homeschool!)
9th Grade ELA
How I Craft Film Viewing Questions for High School English Class (Using Into the Spider-Verse as a Case Study)
When I introduce film into the ELA classroom, my goal is always the same: get students thinking deeply without pulling their eyes away from the screen. Thoughtfully crafted viewing questions help strike that balance: they anchor attention, spark discussion, and lay the groundwork for analysis that extends beyond the surface.
Analysis
How to Do a Shot-by-Shot Film Sequence Analysis
Plus a Free Example Course Using Azazel Jacobs' His Three Daughters If you’ve ever wanted to teach (or learn) how to truly read a the rich language of film, a shot-by-shot analysis is one approach that can help you dig in to the details. Whether you're
Critical Conversations
Teaching 'Woman of the Hour': A Feminist Lens in Film
I started watching Woman of the Hour because it popped up on my Netflix, and when my partner Googled it, he saw it had good reviews. And then I was Instagram re-targeted all of Netflix's promotions for the film as well. What really pushed me to not wait
Critical Conversations
Teaching With Films: Discussion Norms for Critical Conversations and Race | Key Considerations Before Teaching Jordan Peele's Film, Get Out
Get Out is a film known for being about race, the topic is unavoidable. When I'm teaching or working with students, my job is to help students unpack the conversations around uncomfortable topics, such as race, and to also help them learn how to productively have these conversations
Film
Basic Film Vocabulary: Frame, Shot, Sequence & Scene
When it comes to describing film, I often find myself using many words interchangeably... "scene" and "sequence", the composition of "a frame" and the composition of "a shot". When we're together using these words in context, the nuanced definitions don&
Books
Comparing Opening Scenes of Books and Shows: and The Duke and I
When pairing a book and show, I wonder about the decision making behind the changes. Some I understand come from the nature of prose versus visual storytelling, or telling a story within the structure of a one hour episode in the season of a series. But when there are other changes, I think it leads
Books
Preview ELA/Film Comparison Activity: Comparing Opening Scene and Chapter of Bridgerton and The Duke and I.
Analyze Adaptation Choices with this Literary and Media Comparison Activity for Middle and High School ELA Looking for a high-interest way to teach literary analysis and media literacy? This Bridgerton & The Duke and I compare and contrast lesson is the perfect way to help students explore the differences between
Analysis
Preview Film Studies Lesson: The Farewell Movie Sequence Shot by Shot Analysis Practice
When it comes to film studies or analysis practice, learning how to do a SxS ("shot by shot") breakdown is a challenging yet fun way to look closely at the cinematic details of a film and develop an understanding of how these details inform character, theme, plot, and
Film
Preview Film Studies Lesson: Ex Machina Opening Sequence Shot by Shot Analysis Practice
The Answer Key for this shot by shot analysis activity of the opening sequence of the film Ex Machina is essentially the practice activity, the shot by shot (SxS) breakdown, completely filled in. The “Analysis Practice” PDF is print ready and removes most of the notes from the answer key,
Film
Best Films for Spooky Season 2023: Thrillers, Classics, and More
I love fall, and enjoying Halloween (although I haven't made the effort to get in costume for years) is a big part of it. For me, scary movies and horror films help me embrace the cool chill and increasing amount of darkness thrust upon us in October. There&