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Zootopia 2 Viewing Questions
Intro & Guided Close Reading Lesson
Introduce the House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with a guided close reading and figurative language analysis lesson.
The Babadook — Complete Film Analysis Unit
Introduce film analysis with this complete film unit and pacing guide.
Wandering Stars — Prologue Mini Lesson Pack
Reading questions, answer key, and secondary source comparison chart as well as curated sources to research historical context.
Wandering Stars — Prologue Reading Questions & Historical Context Activity
Reading questions and activity for learning more about the Sand Creek Massacre.
Who Can Identify as Native American? – PBS Viewing Questions & Reflection Activity
Viewing questions for PBS Origins Video about who can identify as Native Americans. Help students process and discuss, develop cultural humility.
Frankenweenie: Full ELA Film Unit & Pacing Guide
3 week pacing guide for teaching and analyzing Frankenweenie, includes links to all lessons (essentially a unit bundle).
Frankenweenie Socratic Seminar
Socratic Seminar Questions, Rubric, and Supplementary articles that pair with Frankenweenie
Frankenweenie & Frankenstein: Characterization Comparisons
Comparative Analysis of Victor, his father, and his mentor/teachers in Frankenweenie and Frankenstein. Scaffolded and ready to differentiate.
Frankenweenie Monster Mash Up Scene Study
Scene Study Questions, Monster Comparison/Allusion Table for the Carnival/Monster Mash Up Scene in Frankenweenie.
Coraline Pre-Viewing & Intro to Film Form Vocabulary Lesson Pack
Introduce film vocabulary with Coraline. Includes guided notes, vocab decks, and answer key.
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.
Into the Spider-verse Viewing Questions
Viewing questions broken apart by act for Into the Spider-verse. Engage active viewing and develop visual literacy with no film experience.
A Simple 3-Step Framework for Teaching Literary Analysis (Even If You're Not an English Teacher)
A free guide for parents looking to support their students with deeper reading in high school ELA.
Comparing Opening Scenes of Bridgerton and The Duke and I
Compare/contrast the opening chapter of The Duke & I with the opening scene of Bridgerton Season 1. Explore character, relationships, theme, and style.
Coraline Viewing Questions
2 different question sets (one geared towards learning the basics of film studies vocabulary, one that doesn't require film experience) and a master list of viewing questions.
From the blog
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Why Selma Might Be The Movie for the Moment in Secondary ELA Classrooms
Lesson for members
Teaching Indigenous Texts During Native American Heritage Month
Lesson for members
How to Make Edgar Allan Poe Relevant: Scaffolded Creative Writing for Secondary ELA
I love Gothic literature. Something about it.
The monsters as metaphor. The rich, dense language that forces me to slow down. The layers of figurative language that overlap
Intro to Film Studies Pacing Guide Week 1
Lesson for members
How to Engage Students When Teaching Analytical Writing
Lesson for members
Defining the Indefinable: A Poetry Kickoff Lesson Using Quotes from Poets
Lesson for members
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!)
Analyzing Visual Symbolism in Into the Spider-Verse (pt. 2)
This shot-by-shot breakdown of Into the Spider-Verse explores how to teach film analysis and visual symbolism—even if you don’t have a film background. Perfect for middle and high school ELA!
Make it to Summer Break with the Into the Spiderverse ELA Survival Pack
I’ve taught both freshmen and seniors, and when May hits, their energy couldn’t be more different.
Seniors?
Erratic but energized. They're leaning into the
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
Why Into the Spider-Verse Is the Perfect Film to Teach High School Freshmen
When it comes to engaging ninth-grade students in literary analysis, few texts are as effective, versatile, or culturally resonant as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While
Top 10 Engaging Activities for Teaching The House on Mango Street
Lesson for members
Scaffolding Lessons Using The House on Mango Street
Lesson for members
Exploring The Liberators by E.J. Koh: Family, Trauma, and Korean/American History
I've been focusing more on reading over the last few months, finally taking the time to read texts by Asian and Asian American authors. Lately, I&
Thoughts on 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
How to Teach With Coraline the Movie
Coraline Lesson Plan Ideas for MS/HS ELA teachers. Great for Coming of Age, Identity, Parent/Child Dynamics, Strange Behavior, and Intro to Film Studies.
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