students sitting in theater

FILMS TO ENGAGE STUDENTS IN MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION

WHAT IS FILM ED?
FILMS & TEACHING MATERIALS

Welcome to FilmEd Classroom, New York International Children’s Film Festival’s film education portal. FilmEd Classroom is a film-based K-8 curriculum designed to provide meaningful arts engagement, support media-literacy, and hone critical-thinking skills. Here you’ll find free films and learning materials to lead meaningful conversations and arts experiences with your K-8 students.

FilmEd’s inaugural theme is Identity. Additional FilmEd materials and expanded themes will be released throughout the school year. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when additional Lesson Plans are available.

BY THEME & GRADE LEVEL

Each Lesson Plan includes theme-based, grade-appropriate short films to watch along with teaching materials. Select your grade level below to access the short films and FilmEd Lesson Plan you need to start teaching. Materials can be adapted for younger or older grades. We welcome you to take a look and see what might be the best fit for your class.

Identity, Grades K-2

Grades K-2

Introduce young viewers to the theme of identity through a focus on character, narrative, and diverse perspectives.

01 Perfect Houseguest
02 Wash Day
03 The Magic of Chess
View Lesson Plan
Identity, Grades 3-5

Grades 3-5

Invite students to think critically and engage in active viewing. Inquiry-based discussions, creative activities, and reflections encourage connections to themes of identity.

01 Wash Day
02 Welcome to my Life
03 Chin Up
04 Amelia’s Closet
View Lesson Plan
Identity, Grades 6-8

Grades 6-8

Diverse stories and filmmaker points of view connect students to themes of identity. Reinforce comprehension and critical-thinking skills through active viewing, inquiry-based discussions, and reflection.

01 Welcome to my Life
02 Amelia’s Closet
03 Accents
04 Grab My Hand: A Letter to my Dad
View Lesson Plan