Movies are a great medium for reaching all kinds of audiences. For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed all kinds of movies and even worked in theaters for many years. Recently, I discovered a great website that encourages using movies as educational tools! TeachWithMovies.org
This website offers a wealth of resources that use the power of films to assist in classroom instruction. Here are just a few benefits to using TeachWithMovies.org:
Enhanced Engagement
Movies can capture students’ attention and make learning more enjoyable. By incorporating films into lesson plans, teachers can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that keeps students engaged and motivated.
Comprehensive Learning Guides
Detailed Learning Guides are provided for each film, which include background information, discussion questions, vocabulary lists, and project ideas. These guides help teachers to effectively integrate films into their curriculum and ensure that students gain valuable insights from them.
Support for Diverse Subjects
Resources for a wide range of subjects are available, including history, science, literature, social studies, and more. This allows teachers to find films that align with their specific curriculum goals and enhance their lessons with relevant and thought-provoking content.
Promotion of Social-Emotional Learning
TeachWithMovies.org emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning by providing films that address various values such as respect, honesty, and friendship. These films can be used to spark discussions about important life skills and ethical principles, helping students to develop a well-rounded character.
Accessibility and Convenience
The website is very user-friendly and easily accessible, making it simple for teachers to find and utilize the resources they need. Films can be assigned for viewing at home or shown in class, providing flexibility in how they are incorporated into the curriculum. The site also categorizes films by appropriate age levels so you can easily find suitable content for your specific needs.
Encouragement of Critical Thinking
By using films as educational tools, teachers can encourage students to think critically about the content they are watching. The discussion questions provided in the Learning Guides help students to analyze the themes and messages of the films, promoting deeper understanding as well as critical thinking skills.
Cultural and Historical Insights
Films often provide valuable cultural and historical perspectives that can enhance students’ understanding of different societies and eras. TeachWithMovies.org includes films that cover a wide range of historical events and cultural experiences, allowing students to gain a broader view of the world.
I encourage you to check out TeachWithMovies.org when you have a chance and see if there is a movie or two that might be relevant to a topic in one of your future lessons.
