Tuesday, October 21, 2014

If you think film belongs only in ELA or the Arts– think again

Using film in the classroom isn’t a perk reserved for English and drama. Teacher Elizabeth Evans, writing in The Guardian, explores how science, geography and maths students can also benefit.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Campaign Ads: Helping Students Find the Truth

If politicians have a “license to lie” in campaign advertising, how are our students to know who and what to believe? Critical thinking skills are paramount, says media literacy consultant Frank Baker, who shares insights and resources tied to Common Core and social studies standards.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The important role costume plays in the language of film

I've just written another essay about "close reading," "film analysis," and the important role costume design plays in films.  Common Core ELA makes several references to film in middle grades, so studying what a character wears might be relevant. (There are also a number of Read/Write/Think lessons related to costuming.)

I maintain a web page of teaching ideas and resources related to film costume on my Language of Film website.

Coincidentally, "Hollywood Costume"-- a major exhibition-- opens in early October in Los Angeles. 

And with the 75th anniversary of "Gone With The Wind" underway, there is a new exhibit in Austin Texas. There is also an excellent companion online resource "Producing Gone With The Wind," which details how the film came to be adapted from the popular Margaret Mitchell novel.