Exploring Identity and Power Through 'The Darkest Minds': A Superpower Story Analysis / Activity Analysis

Core Skills Analysis

Film Analysis and Critical Thinking

• Aria learned to identify themes related to youth empowerment and overcoming adversity through the storyline of children with superpowers.
• She observed character development and how emotions and decisions affect growth and relationships within a dramatic narrative.
• She engaged with speculative fiction elements, enhancing her ability to imagine alternative realities and consider ethical dilemmas associated with power.
• Aria enhanced her media literacy skills by interpreting symbolism and visual storytelling techniques employed in the film.

Tips

To deepen Aria's understanding of the film and its themes, encourage her to reflect on the characters' motivations and challenges by writing a short essay or journal entry from the perspective of one of the characters. Discuss concepts like power, responsibility, and identity by comparing the fictional superpowers to real-world skills or talents. Facilitate a creative project where she designs her own character with unique abilities, including backstory and strengths, to explore narrative development. Lastly, consider guided discussions or debates about ethical questions raised in the story to build critical thinking and empathy.

Book Recommendations

• The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken: A thrilling dystopian novel about teenagers with extraordinary powers who must band together to survive and fight against oppressive forces.
• Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan: A spirited adventure featuring a boy who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, exploring themes of identity and heroism.
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio: A heartfelt story about a boy with facial differences navigating school life and the power of kindness and acceptance.

Learning Standards

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.2: Analyze how themes develop over the course of the text.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.3: Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences.

Try This Next

• Create a character profile worksheet for Aria to design her own superpowered character, including abilities, motivations, and challenges.
• Develop a short quiz with questions about the film’s themes, characters, and ethical dilemmas to reinforce comprehension and critical thinking.

Growth Beyond Academics

Watching 'The Darkest Minds' likely fostered Aria's empathy and understanding of complex emotions like fear, hope, and courage. It also encouraged curiosity about personal identity and social justice, nurturing her ability to connect emotionally with fictional characters and their struggles.