Social studies lends itself to the ability to show historical movies in the classroom. There are many positives reasons for showing movies in our social studies classes. They include:
- Motivating students and engaging them in the subject.
- Students will gain a deeper understanding of the material.
- For some students it brings the "story" of history alive for them.
It is true some people object to showing entire movies during a class. But, here are some tips to help you from falling into some of those nasty pitfalls.
- KEEP 'EM BUSY: Do not simply show a movie and walk way. Have students looking for something while they are watching the movie. When I show the movie Flyboys, I have students list all the new weaponry that was used during World War I in the movie.
- KEEP 'EM REALLY BUSY: Whenever I show a movie I have movie guides for the students to complete. Some of the questions on the guides include fill-in the blank, and others are short answer questions. When I create the movie I include a short answer question about every third or forth question. When the short answer question passes, I stop the movie. At this point, we go over the fill-in the blank questions, then have short discussion about the short answer question.
- STOP THE MOVIE: Don't be afraid to stop the movie. As mentioned in pointer number two, stopping the movie allows for students to stay current or get caught up. Also, it allows for you to hit upon some important historical points. Finally, it allows for a short transition for the students to re-focus on the task at hand.
- KNOW THE MATERIAL: Remember your audience and community when thinking about showing a movie in class. In some school districts, you may be able to show a rated R movie such as Saving Private Ryan to the seniors. But in other communities you may not. When in doubt ask you administrator. When REALLY in doubt, do not show the movie. Your job is not worth it.
- ALL IS NOT CORRECT: Okay, there are many positive things about show historical movies in class. But remember, these are not documentaries, rather these are dramatizations of historical events. Writers, directors and producers take license to stretch the truth. There is nothing wrong with this, but please point out these errors and inaccuracies to the students. Need help distinguishing the facts for the drama? Google is a great place to start looking for the facts. In only a few minutes you can information about what the writers or directors missed.
If you would like to show some movies, but don't have the time to create your own movie guides, please feel free to visit these pages for some excellent, ready made, no prep movie guides.
Or visit my store for many other ready made video guides to help you teach social studies. The URL is
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Social-Studies-Super-Store
Social studies lends itself to the ability to show historical movies in the classroom. There are many positives reasons for showing movies in our social studies classes. They include:
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