Grades K-2
This FilmED Lesson Plan focuses on themes such as identity, race, difference, and self-acceptance. 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.
These 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 teach students to watch films actively and thoughtfully.
- Background information and informative Q&As with 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, inclusion, and perseverance.
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 Perfect Houseguest
Grades K-2
A lovely animated film that creates accessible points of entry to initiate conversations with the youngest grades around identity, difference, assumptions, and stereotypes.
02 Wash Day
Grades K-2
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.
03 The Magic of Chess
Grades K-2
A short doc with a very inclusive portrait of young chess players that demonstrates they come from all backgrounds and genders, and lets kids share in their own words lessons of resilience and tenacity and facing their fears.