Work Sample
“Teaching Plot and Story with Coco”
Lesson by: Emily Richan
Abstract
Welcome to a world of wonder
Pixar’s Coco (2018) blends together the magic of music and performance by demonstrating the power of family support and personal empowerment. I chose to create a sample lesson around this film, because not only does it exemplify classic story telling (“the hero’s journey”) but its content has many elements that speak to areas of professional development (performance arts, Spanish language study, film, etc). I also find that it’s a film anyone can enjoy at any age.
Objective
This lesson seeks to convey a basic understanding of film plot and story structure as it pertains to the “hero’s journey”. Students should be able to identify moments and use filmic terms to describe the beginning, middle and end of the story, as well as identify the
Execution
I have adapted the main theme of my lesson plan in two separate presentations:
-one for a class of Kindergarten to 3rd grade
-one for classes grades 4 and above
Each lesson includes a customized lecture with interactive slides, a key terms summary sheet, and a practice exercise for assessing skills comprehension. Click the options below to see either version.*
*disclaimer: I do not claim to own the rights to any film or story content presented in the slides or exercises
Option 1: Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Lecture Slides.
key terms sheet.
Practice exercise.
option 2: 4th grade & above
lecture slides.
key terms sheet.
practice exercise.
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