What's included
14 live meetings
11 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students are required to watch the assigned movie before each class session. The time required for each project may vary depending on its complexity and scope. Additionally, students will complete "Ratings and Review" sheets while watching the films to help them recall key points for class discussions. Furthermore, students will engage in various projects related to the films throughout the course, allowing them to explore and analyze the material in greater depth.Assessment
Students are graded: 10% Ratings and Review Sheets 10% Class Participation 80% Projects Students need to complete simple projects for each movie. If you have any questions or need accommodations please contact me. Everyone can be successful in my classes.Grading
Students will be assumed to desire grades for their work unless they inform the teacher that they would like to opt out of receiving grades.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
In this 14-week class, students will explore literature through film. They are expected to watch each movie before class each week. Film is an excellent way to gain exposure to a variety of modern and classic novels often referenced in other works and pop culture. This class is designed to be accessible to students of all abilities. Class Structure: 1. Welcome: Greet students. 2. Discussion: Guided discussion about the themes of the movies, including what students liked or disliked. Slides and video clips from the films will be used, shared from the teacher's computer. 3. Rating and Reviews: Students will score the movie 1-5 stars and provide a brief review, either verbally or in the chat. 4. Wrap-Up: Q&A from students and a preview of the following week's film. Sensitive topics may arise during class discussions. Care will be taken to validate students' feelings while keeping the class constructive. For example, "The Call of the Wild" might upset students due to the treatment of animals. We will discuss how the film uses cinematography to tell the story, including techniques like CGI, sound, scene cuts, and music to handle storytelling without harming animals. All films are rated G or PG. Parents should review Common Sense Media guidelines for each movie before registering to ensure suitability for their child. Recommendations from Common Sense Media are provided below, including what parents need to know about each movie.
Learning Goals
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6-8.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6-8.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksLesson 1:
Holes
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
City of Ember
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Bridge to Terabithia
Students will learn about the historical context of the novel on which the film is based. Additionally, we will discuss the choices made when adapting novels to film and how these decisions shape the storytelling.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students will be shown clips from the movies listed when we discuss them. These will be shared from the teachers screen. Students will have watched the films at home before the clips are shown in class.
During class while reviewing these film students difficult or upsetting topics may arise. I take great care to validate students feeling about tough topics, while also keeping the class moving in a constructive way. For example, The Tiger Rising students may still be upset with the treatment of the tiger. If this topic is brought up by students we will discuss how the film used cinematography to tell the story. What film techniques such as CGI animation, sound, scene cuts, music and more to handle telling the story without harm to the animal.
These films were chosen with care and are all rated G or PG. However, you know your student best please review the Common Sense Media guidelines for each movie before registering and consider your student. I have included the recommendations from Common Sense Media ratings and what parents need to know under each movie. The website this information was taken from is: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Week Movie
1 Holes
Rated PG 2003 1 hr 51 min
Common Sense 10+, Parents 9+, Kids 9+
Parents need to know that Holes, based on the bestseller by Louis Sachar, has an edge to it, but it's not as gritty as it could be. Portraying a teen boys' work-camp could give excuses to broach more lewd subject matter, but this movie portrays the rough and tumble without devolving into a gross-out fest. There are some moments of racial and gender tension played out in glimpses of the past (reference to a lynching, men trying to force their attentions on a woman), which might be too intense for younger viewers.
2 Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Rated PG 2010 1 hr 31 min
Common Sense 8+, Parents 9+, Kids 8+
Parents need to know that this 3-D adaptation of Kathryn Lasky's best-selling Legend of the Guardians books is more intense and violent than most animated adventures -- even though the characters are all owls. The movie focuses on the conflict between a group of owls that considers themselves a master race entitled to enslave "lower species" of owls and the Guardians, a hidden group of warriors that fights to defend all owls from evil. With such a heavy plot and many action-packed battle sequences, this isn't age-appropriate for all young children. But kids old enough to read the books and mature enough to handle the themes will benefit from the movie's message that all owls (and therefore people) are worthy, not just those whom one group thinks are better than the rest. Note: The 3-D factor makes many of the movie's battle/fight scenes much more intense.
3 City of Ember
Rated PG 2008 1 hr 35min
Common Sense 8+, Parents 8+, Kids 8+
Parents need to know that this fantasy based on the popular middle-grade novel of the same name doesn't have much to worry about in the way of sexual content, language, drinking, or strong violence. But its constant tension and often-dark mood -- it's about a decaying underground city founded to make sure humanity survived the end of the world -- make it too intense for the youngest viewers. The teenage main characters face challenges ranging from corrupt officials to a ravenous giant mole; they navigate these problems with persistence and resourcefulness.
4 Bridge to Terabithia
Rated PG 2007 1 hr 35 min
Common Sense 9+, Parents 10+, Kids 9+
Parents need to know that this movie based on Katherine Paterson's classic children's novel isn't a fantasy adventure as much as it is a thoughtful drama. The story includes mature themes about loneliness, platonic love, parental affection, family relationships, religious/class differences, and even death. For example, a financially troubled father is emotionally distant from his son, while the mother seems too overwhelmed with five kids to connect to any of them. At school, kids are ridiculed because of their appearance, and a bully and her associates routinely terrorize younger kids. Potential spoiler alert: Due to a central character's death, sensitive children (or those who've experienced the loss of a loved one) may need to be comforted after the film.
5 Hidden Figures
Rated PG 2016 2 hrs 6 min
Common Sense 10+, Parents 10+, Kids 9+
Parents need to know that Hidden Figures is based on the inspiring true story of three brilliant African American women who worked at NASA in the 1950s and '60s as "human computers" -- making calculations and contributions that helped launch the manned spaceflight program. Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) were engineers and computers at NASA at a time when both women and African Americans were still widely discriminated against, particularly in segregationist Virginia. where NASA's Langley Research Center is based. There's a little bit of romance (a few kisses, flirty comments, and slow dancing) and a bit of salty language (mostly along the lines of "damn," "hell," and "Jesus Christ" as an exclamation). The film also offers a realistic look at the racial tensions of the Civil Rights era (segregated bathrooms, libraries, schools, facilities), and audiences will learn a lot about these pioneering women and what they had to overcome to make their mark at NASA. They're excellent role models, and their story is full of positive messages and themes, including integrity, perseverance, teamwork, and communication.
6 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe
Rated PG 2005 2 hrs 20 min
Common Sense 9+, Parents, 8+, Kids 8+
Parents need to know that The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has some sad, scary, and violent scenes for a PG film. The movie begins with a bombing during the Blitz in London. The children are separated from their mother, which could upset some younger audience members. There are other sad scenes where animals die -- including principle characters. A friendly fox is chased and caught by a pack of wolves, who also chase the children. A witch yells at a young boy, chains him in prison, and stabs him. She also abuses her servant, stabs her enemies with a sword that turns them to stone, martyrs the lion, and leads troops into battle. The children learn to fight, then engage in hand-to-hand combat and sword fighting; one sister shoots an enemy with an arrow. There is a pitched battle with deaths and grave injuries. While not overt, the movie includes Christian imagery (a martyred, Christlike lion, a rebirth from magic water) and allegorical storylines.
7 A Wrinkle in Time
Rated PG 2018 1 hr 49 min
Common Sense 10+, Parents 9+ Kids 9+
Parents need to know that A Wrinkle in Time is director Ava DuVernay's adaptation of author Madeleine L'Engle's classic children's fantasy book. The tween-friendly movie follows brilliant 13-year-old Meg Murry (Storm Reid), her genius little brother, and her friend on an epic, perilous journey to find her long-missing father. They're guided on their dangerous voyage across time and space by three supernatural beings: Mrs. Whatsit (Reese Witherspoon), Mrs. Who (Mindy Kaling), and Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey). Like the book it's based on, the movie features some intense scenes of peril: Kids nearly plunge to their deaths, are whisked away in a twister, or are stuck for eternity, and there's a scary moment when three people are dragged to an evil overlord. But while the kids are bruised and knocked down, no one dies or is seriously injured, and the frightening moments are temporary. The movie, which is remarkably diverse, promotes positive messages about trusting in your abilities, asking for help, and believing in the power of love. Courage, perseverance, and teamwork are also themes.
8 Black Beauty
Rated NR 2020 1 hr 49 min
Common Sense 10+, Parents 9+, Kids 8+
Parents need to know that this adaptation of Anna Sewell's 1877 classic novel Black Beauty is emotionally taxing, with the central horse suffering abuse, loss, and danger. The human characters, too, find themselves in perilous situations, including being dragged, chased, thrown and kicked by horses, nearly drowning in a flooding river, and risking their own lives to pull horses out of a burning stable. There's also emotional intensity throughout. Both the horse, Beauty, and her human soulmate, Jo (Mackenzie Foy), have suffered the loss of their parents and find themselves alone, their spirits nearly broken. Teen riders make fun of Jo for living and working at the stables, saying she smells bad. When Beauty is sold off to a series of different owners, she's put to hard labor, mistreated, and nearly worked to death more than once. Some of these scenes are quite sad; cruelty to animals can be very difficult to watch. That said, the film, told mostly from the horse's perspective, ultimately shows a clear respect and admiration for the animals, and it conveys positive messages of loyalty, family, perseverance, resilience, and courage. It ends on an uplifting note.
9 Inkheart
Rated 2009 1 hr 45 min
Common Sense 9+, Parents 8+, Kids 9+
Parents need to know that this family-friendly fantasy is based on author Cornelia Funke's best-selling young adult novel. As in the book, there's a dark tone to the story, and the threat of violence seems real (especially the death threats). The "inked" villains may disturb younger kids, although some of the fantastical elements are funny. Henchmen hold people hostage, threaten to kill people, and burn property, and characters are in serious danger through most of the film. There's mild flirting between two younger characters and a quick kiss and embrace between married couples.
10 I Am David
Rated PG 2005 1 hr 30 min
Common Sense 9+, Parents 9+, Kids 10+
Parents need to know that I Am David is a 2003 drama in which a young boy escapes from a Bulgarian prison camp in the 1950s on a quest to deliver a letter to Denmark. This movie is intense but family-friendly. Sensitive and younger kids might be disturbed by beatings and a shooting at the labor camp, including flashbacks in which a man is shot and killed because he's believed to have stolen a bar of soap, and a mother yelling for her son as guards separate her from her family. A clash between Italian communists and police is shown; some beatings and blood. Based on a novel of the same title by Anne Holm. While hiding as a stowaway, a sailor accuses David of looking at the magazines of attractive women that the sailor keeps hidden; no nudity.
11 The Tiger Rising
Rated PG 2021 1 hr 42 min
Common sense 11+, Parents 10+, Kids 11+
Parents need to know that The Tiger Rising is a sometimes-intense family drama adapted from Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo's National Book Award finalist, produced by and starring Queen Latifah. The story follows two fifth graders who've recently moved to a small Florida town: Rob (Christian Convery), a White boy whose mother passed away and whose father is running from his grief, and Sistine (Madalen Mills), a Black girl from Philadelphia whose parents are divorcing and whose mother moved home. Rob is told not to cry or talk about his late mother, and Sistine is full of rage over her situation, sure her dad will come get her any day. The new friends find a caged tiger in the woods, and it serves as a metaphor for the bottled-up emotions both the kids and Rob's dad are experiencing. Loss is sad, and the movie's message is that it's OK to feel that way. However, the ending is (spoiler alert) very harsh -- it involves a gun being used to kill -- and is likely to upset kids (and likely some adults, too). Rob and Sistine are both bullied at school via taunts and schoolyard fights. This isn't a faith-based film, but characters of faith are portrayed positively.
12 The Secret of NIMH
Rated G 1982 1 hr 23 min
Common Sense 8+, Parents 8+, Kids 8+
Parents need to know that this The Secret of NIMH about a group of intelligent rats who escape from an animal laboratory is suspenseful and rather dark. Several scenes include animal children in peril and a sword fight between rats ends in one death with a little blood. The worst part for sensitive viewers: a flashback shows the animated animals being imprisoned and injected with a needle.
13 The Adventures of Huck Finn
Rated PG 1993 1 hr 43 min
Common Sense 10+, Parents 13+, Kids 12+
Parents need to know that The Adventures of Huck Finn is a 1993 family-friendly Disney version of the Mark Twain novel set in the pre-Civil War South. Unlike the novel, there's no use of the "N" word, but the anti-racist message is clear. The immorality of slavery, the importance of knowing right from wrong, and a celebration of friendship and adventure are all on display. Huck is a fearless child, abused by a selfish and drunken father. Frightening situations arise in his quest to help his runaway slave friend get to the safety of the North, but it's his failings and his struggles to overcome them that make him a character kids will identify with and perhaps admire. Language includes "ass," "butt," and "hell." Feuding families shoot and kill each other. A slave is nearly hanged but saved at the last minute. A boy is shot and killed. Another boy is shot in the back but survives. A little blood is seen. Thieves die on a sinking ship. A criminal is killed by his partners. Men are tarred. A corpse is dug up. Two men try to scam a wealthy grieving family out of their money.
14 Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Rated PG-13 2013 2 hrs 46 min
Common Sense 11+, Parents 11+, Kids 10+
Parents need to know that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, director Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's stand-alone quest through Middle-earth, is less violent than the scarier Lord of the Rings trilogy. But there are definitely some frightening sequences, like the battle between the dragon and the dwarves of Erebor, during which one character is decapitated, another has an arm amputated, and there's mass destruction. The group of Bilbo, Gandalf, and 13 dwarves is often tracked and pursued and nearly killed several times, but they manage to avoid death -- at least in this installment. Bilbo (like Frodo and his friends in the LOTR movies) again shows that size doesn't matter when it comes to making a difference.
Supply List
Students are required to watch each movie before class. All are available online (many for free on streaming services) or at a library. PDF Ratings and Review PDF Rubric for Projects
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
For more than 15 years, I've been deeply involved in education, spending the last 9 years as a homeschooling parent. My greatest joy lies in helping students delve into complex subjects by exploring various perspectives. In today's world, narratives hold significant weight, influencing our understanding immensely. I'm passionate about sharing diverse literature that captivates students and broadens their comprehension. In my classes, I bring history to life through a blend of novels and primary sources, delving into socioeconomic factors, religious influences, and the nuances of narration bias. Encouraging critical thinking, I prompt students to consider multiple viewpoints and the motivations behind historical events.
For over 7 years, I've taught at a local homeschool co-op, both in-person and online. One of my favorite roles has been leading middle and high school book clubs, where I not only introduce students to new books but also facilitate discussions on challenging topics. Having undergone diversity training and sensitivity workshops, I approach these discussions with care, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Attending numerous professional developments, I've honed strategies for fostering inclusivity and highlighting multiple points of view.
My educational journey began with a B.B.A. from Northwood University, followed by a transition to pursue a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. Unfortunately, family circumstances led me to prioritize homeschooling my children over completing the program.
Across various homeschool groups and co-ops, I've taught a range of subjects including English, History, Finance, and Engineering. My passion for literature shines through in running book clubs and teaching classes on essay writing, grammar, and novel analysis. I've curated diverse book selections, fostering rich discussions on themes, characters, and symbolism.
Responding to students' interests, I initiated the Literature through Film series, offering an alternative way to explore classic literature through movie adaptations. This approach accommodated different reading paces and preferences, maintaining our focus on thorough novel analysis.
In my History classes, I employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating primary sources, articles, and films to examine diverse perspectives and marginalized narratives. Similarly, in Finance and Entrepreneurship classes, I prioritize hands-on learning, guiding students through real-world applications such as budgeting, mortgage calculations, and investment tracking.
Utilizing Lego Education Kits, I've led engineering classes, both in-person and through platforms like Outschool. These sessions encourage creativity and problem-solving, fostering an interest in STEM fields.
Continuing my professional development journey, I actively participate in events like EdCamp, NerdCamp, and NaNoWriMo, enhancing my teaching practices and staying abreast of educational innovations.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$17
weekly or $225 for 14 classes1x per week, 14 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
3-9 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Tutoring
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