Essential teacher information for successful screenings.
Prepare yourself
Choose your film
It may be best to start with a short film (around 10 minutes) or choose an excerpt which has plenty of interest for you and your group.
Why do I want to show the film?
- To stimulate discussion or support themed work?
- As a stimulus for writing, drama or music?
- A source of information for history or geography?
- To demonstrate a technique in science or P.E.?
- Or maybe it is to learn about [film language] itself.
- There might be lots more reasons.....
How well do I know the film?
Watch the film all the way through! Many people don't remember this first step and are then caught out by content and language they were not expecting.
Watch the film with a preparation sheet and note down timings of interesting moments and potential questions. Research the film on the net to find out more about it.
Can I show a 12 film in primary school?
Actually there is nothing legally to stop you. But the best practice is of course to send letters home making it clear why you think the film is relevant and seeking permission to show it. (Similarly "Can I show a 15 or 18 rated film in a secondary school? Same law applies. Answer Yes)
Hone your skills
Impress your pupils with the same pausing, rewinding and fast forwarding skills you mastered at home!
prepare the lesson
Analyse the film yourself
- Choose a technique from Analyse that best fits your initial aims.
- Try the technique for yourself, and make sure it works for your chosen clip.
- Think how you will introduce the clip to your pupils and what learning activity you will follow it up with after the viewing.
Many exercises require only part of the film to be shown on the first viewing, be aware of this and how it relates to your lesson order
Film clip length
You are using the film clip for a specific learning intention, so keep it short, less than 15 minutes usually works best. The interest of the pupils is less likely to wane after this. Better devote more time to exploring their reactions and understanding of the clip.
With a feature film - treat it like a novel & split it into chunks. Sometimes as much as 30 minutes or as little as 5 - it all depends on the focus of each lesson
Once is never enough
Don't be afraid of repeated viewings. Each analyse technique will offer something new to your pupils' appreciation of the same film. Follow up a first viewing with a discussion. Subsequent viewings can be used to motivate and inspire other types of learning.
Prepare the room
- Watching films is first and foremost a listening exercise, (can the class next door do something quiet for the next hour?)
- If it is too bright, black out the windows, or at least switch off the lights.
- Plan the seating so that everyone is comfortable and can see the screen.
More tips on great screenings
Prepare the equipment
- Check all the equipment before and on the day you are planning to show a film clip.
- Does your system have reasonable speakers? Good sound is important!
- Is there a remote control and does it work?
Computer hardware
- Is your computer and interactive whiteboard enabled to show DVDs?
- If you are using internet content, have you checked that it works in school? Many school firewalls block sites such as YouTube, it may be advisable to download content at home onto a memory stick.
- If you are using presentation software like PowerPoint or Keynote have you checked that your video files work on the computer you will be using for your presentation?
Sometimes it can help to convert internet video files into another formats so they work more easily with your computer. This also helps if you have problems "streaming" films
Nearly there
Make sure you have all your materials ready for follow up activities. If you are seen scampering around the room during the screening, it can be very distracting for your audience.
Even with the most careful preparation, gremlins can still get the better of us and nothing works! Have something else ready just in case it all goes pear shaped
Prepare the children
Clear purpose
There are vast differences between watching for pleasure and learning to read films. Ensure the class have a clear idea of why they are going to be watching the film and what they are going to be learning from it.
Great beginnings
Your class are an audience, so treat them like one! This doesn"t necessarily mean dressing up as an usher and serving ice-cream and popcorn before the film starts, but they are very accustomed to watching TV, internet clips or DVDs - so make their experience different.
- Offer insight and background into the film they are about to watch. This is dependent on their age, ability and what technique you are going to use. (remember the element of surprise is crucial to certain clips).
- Display and discuss any new words or concepts that will help their understanding or enjoyment.
- When needed differentiate and explain concepts like live action & animation; documentaries & fiction; genre; cultural differences etc.
- Many will be unfamiliar with complete short films like these. It might help to compare them with the concept of short stories or TV sketches.
- Warm their interest with brainstorm activities. eg. the skills a director needs, how to be successful in Hollywood, top ten scary movies, funniest TV shows, etc.
- Set the scene before the film. The more adventurous of you may want to get dressed up in a character that links with the film. Younger children, in particular, love this. Or use a hand puppet to introduce the film for you.
