Grades 3-5
This FilmED Lesson Plan focuses on themes such as identity, race, difference, and inclusion. It includes a selection of four short films, each with an accompanying Film Guide, that we hope will amplify diverse stories and filmmakers, as these talented artists share how they craft their own visions and voices through the power of art and storytelling, and inspire your students to share their own experiences.
The Film Guides are customizable. You will see that the sections focus on different areas such as the theme, the characters, the filmmakers, and what we call “The Bigger Conversation.” Read through the Film Guides to see which sections and questions speak best to you and your class.
Curriculum Materials
The curriculum materials crafted around each Lesson Plan are meant to support you, the educator, in leading meaningful conversations with your students, highlight the individual filmmakers and voices behind these stories, and allow opportunities for students to expand their learning while sharing their observations, ideas and experiences among one another.
Film Guides
- Question prompts and conversation starters that will help your students find deeper meanings and interpretations of the films.
- Background information and informative Q&As with a diverse group of filmmakers, which will help students see the ways a filmmaker can use the different tools of filmmaking to craft a meaningful story.
- Resources to support you in leading challenging and important conversations around the themes of the films which include identity, prejudice, bullying, racism and self-acceptance.
We’ve suggested the films in a particular order, with accompanying materials that build upon interpretation and media literacy-skills. As the students watch the films and gain observational and literacy skills, they should be able to understand and discuss the more challenging films that we present later in the Lesson Plan.
01 Wash Day
Grades 3-5
A visually vibrant, easily accessible film that amplifies Black stories on screen and behind the camera, and affords all ages an entry into discussions of identity, gender, and representation.
02 Welcome to my Life
Grades 3-5
A cleverly voiced and animated allegory about difference through a faux documentary format; fosters discussions of identity, inclusion, and storytelling genres and amplifies Asian-American stories.
03 Chin Up
Grades 3-5
This visually inventive animated and live action documentary, recounted in first person by filmmaker JoAnne Salmon, relates her journey as she overcomes a facial deformity to live her dreams as an animator.
04 Amelia’s Closet
Grades 3-5
An incisive and moving film about a young Black student’s experiences with racism and privilege in the classroom; fosters dialogues about race, class, perspective-shifting, and understanding.