Objective
By the end of this lesson, Brodi will be able to analyze the themes, characters, and plot of a chosen movie, while also improving his critical thinking and verbal communication skills through engaging discussions and activities.
Materials and Prep
- A movie of Brodi's choice (preferably one that he has not seen yet)
- A notebook or paper for jotting down notes
- A pen or pencil
- A comfortable viewing space
- Access to a streaming service or DVD player
Before the lesson, make sure Brodi selects a movie that interests him and is appropriate for his age group. Encourage him to think about what he wants to learn from the movie.
Activities
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Movie Viewing:
Start by watching the selected movie together. Encourage Brodi to take notes on characters, plot points, and any themes that stand out to him.
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Character Analysis:
After watching the movie, have Brodi pick his favorite character. Ask him to write a short paragraph about why he chose that character, including their traits and motivations.
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Theme Discussion:
Discuss the main themes of the movie. Ask Brodi what he thinks the movie is trying to say about life, relationships, or society. Encourage him to express his thoughts and back them up with examples from the film.
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Creative Rewrite:
Ask Brodi to rewrite the ending of the movie in a way that he thinks would be more interesting. This will encourage creativity and critical thinking.
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Movie Review:
Have Brodi write a short review of the movie, including what he liked or disliked and whether he would recommend it to others. This will help him practice his writing skills.
Talking Points
- "What did you think about the main character's journey? Did they change by the end of the movie?"
- "Can you identify any themes that stood out to you? How do they relate to real life?"
- "Were there any moments in the movie that surprised you? Why?"
- "How did the setting influence the story? Would it have been different in another location?"
- "What role did music and sound play in the movie? Did it enhance the experience for you?"
- "If you could ask one question to the director, what would it be?"
- "How did the supporting characters impact the main character's story?"
- "What was your favorite scene, and why did it resonate with you?"
- "How would you describe the overall message of the movie?"
- "Did you notice any symbols or motifs throughout the film? What do you think they represented?"
- "If you could change one thing about the movie, what would it be?"
- "How does this movie compare to others you’ve seen? What makes it unique?"
- "What emotions did the movie evoke in you? Did you laugh, cry, or feel scared?"
- "Do you think the movie's ending was satisfying? Why or why not?"
- "Would you recommend this movie to a friend? Why or why not?"
- "How do you think this movie reflects the culture or time period it was made in?"