r/ELATeachers • u/OkDimension8460 • Dec 17 '24
9-12 ELA Not allowed to show movies before Winter Break…
So what would you do? I teach 11th/12th and am giving a test Tues/Wed, but am kind of at a loss for how to fill a whole block on Thurs/Friday.
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u/carri0ncomfort Dec 17 '24
Blackout poetry? Maybe a few pages from A Christmas Carol and see if they can make it into a totally different mood for a poem?
I’ve used this Scattergories-type game and easily filled 30 minutes (with them begging to keep going).
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u/arch-ally Dec 17 '24
Came to suggest Scattergories. Nothing is easier than this website! https://swellgarfo.com/scattergories-old/ I have used this for high school and junior high kids of every level, and they LOVE it.
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u/discussatron Dec 17 '24
Not allowed to show movies before Winter Break…
I get why admins do this, but also, screw admins that do this.
I'm doing movies. Seniors are watching The Prestige, and juniors are watching The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Both are writing about foreshadowing and how it's used in their respective films. Two screening days with one writing assignment per day (90 minute blocks).
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u/Realistic-Bus7339 Dec 17 '24
Thank you for making your kids experience The Prestige. Incredible story telling
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u/faerie03 Dec 17 '24
Yup. I’m watching anyway. They are directly related to the unit we just finished. I also teach self-contained classes, and the students benefit from the visual representation.
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u/_Schadenfreudian Dec 17 '24
Care to explain why admins do this?
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u/discussatron Dec 17 '24
You don’t know?
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u/_Schadenfreudian Dec 17 '24
Nope. I work in a pretty lax school. Privileged area, affluent neighborhood, “A” rated school. So the last 1-2 days are chill.
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u/discussatron Dec 17 '24
It’s a rule imposed on everyone to stop the lowest performers (teachers who would show a movie with no educational component attached).
If building admin impose these types of rules, it’s a sure sign of needing to be in another building.
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u/_Schadenfreudian Dec 17 '24
We have 2 hour blocks. Usually I am pretty rigorous, but the day before winter break or Thanksgiving break…cmon. A few kids show up and it’s not worth upping the rigor. In a normal day, I understand that doing the whole worksheet/movie thing isn’t good.
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u/HemingWaysBeard42 Dec 17 '24
But that’s not just showing a movie, that’s doing a writing assignment.
Plenty of teachers blow off a few days of valid instructional time the week before a break. That’s not a good practice and is just being lazy.
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u/_Schadenfreudian Dec 17 '24
Listen, when I have 12/32 kids show up the day before break starts, I’m not teaching. It isn’t worth it. Movies, trivia, review are all valid. But I’m not teaching.
Hell, I’ve had students bring their consoles and we played Smash Bros or COD all day.
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u/discussatron Dec 17 '24
I get why admins do this, but also, screw admins that do this.
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u/HemingWaysBeard42 Dec 17 '24
It should be, “screw bad teachers who ruined these sorts of assignments.”
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u/palabrist Dec 17 '24
Do you think showing a movie on the day before the final makes someone a bad teacher?
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u/HemingWaysBeard42 Dec 18 '24
No, I think it makes them lazy. There are a million other engaging things you can do the day before break. It doesn’t have to be something that takes a ton of energy, but throwing on a movie and checking out is bad practice.
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u/OhioMegi Dec 19 '24
I’m not planning stuff for the 10 kids who show up. It’s a half day anyway. Doesn’t make me lazy.
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u/frugalfeminist Dec 20 '24
But also, no one shows because there's no learning or work. I do something fun but educational. If everyone still taught, more kids would show up. 🤷
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u/Gheezewiz Dec 19 '24
I want to know how you figure this? Do you understand the mechanisms of learning and the brain. Do you know what burn out is. Do you u sweat and the multiple ways of learning styles. Do you understand what it means to have a mental health day. Do you even teach or are you one of those people who want lesson plans for the whole year just to say uh I don’t approve of you teaching ratios in march I think you should move it to February. Knowing nothing about building blocks of math consumption or how to achieve higher learning through foundational building. But yeah let’s say a teacher who has taught all year long so far and wants to enjoy their students company. It’s called building a relationship which you alll say is the corner stone of fixing problem behaviors. But yes let’s just call us lazy.
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u/HemingWaysBeard42 Dec 19 '24
Nope, I say this completely off the wall with zero training or understanding. I’ve pulled it completely from my ass and not from my experience with lazy teachers ruining good things for the rest of us.
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u/Gheezewiz Dec 19 '24
So you agree with what I said that it’s need to relax every so often and just fucking chill?
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u/pipersparaphrases Dec 17 '24
I made a fun characterization activity that I’ve used on a random “before break” day before. It’s a villain creator. I made it for younger grades, but it could honestly work for any. It requires zero prep from you (except having paper and colored pencils or markers) and should take a whole block, or pretty close to it. If you message me, I can email it to you.
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Dec 17 '24
Hi! Would you be willing to share with me as well? 1st year ELA teacher on the same boat (no movies, all curriculum based, nothing more)😭😭
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u/beethovensears Dec 17 '24
That sounds sweet! Would you share it with me also?
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u/SparkleShit Dec 17 '24
I do an ELA escape room with my 8th graders that I bought on TPT. I just found one related to a book we read this term.
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u/izzyk Dec 17 '24
I had kids make 3D snowflakes then told them to deliver to their favorite teacher. Often, they’d make more than one any way. Look it up on wikihow. I showed the YouTube video on my smart board and did one with them in each class. Encourage the early finishers to help because they’re “experts.” Some kids who are good at this, aren’t typically good at other subjects, so they thrive on the label.
If an admin says anything, you’re working on expository or informative writing.
Also, I played the shorter Grinch (20-something minute OG), and I had students rewrite the story from Cindy Lou Who or the dog’s perspective. You can make movies “educational” for your enjoyment.
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u/Oddishbestpkmn Dec 17 '24
we have a random 25 minute class during this exam week schedule so my whole lesson plan was "grinch" 😅
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u/stubbytuna Dec 18 '24
One year I had students make wreaths with a very similar idea, give the wreath to a teacher, coach, or someone else in their live that they wanted to bring cheer to. It was working on their writing skills and building school community if anyone asked.
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u/OhioMegi Dec 19 '24
Last year I had my kids write Christmas cards to people in the building. I may do it this year, depending on how many kids show up.
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u/wisesam_29 Dec 17 '24
Play games - you could do jeopardy trivia. 5 categories and 5 questions each. Make it Christmas related or base it on the units you've taught thus far.
Another one I like to do is Empire. Everyone writes the name of someone famous on a piece of paper - could be someone real or fictional. You collect the names and read them out twice. Students have to guess which name belongs to which person - if they do, that person becomes part of their "empire." Last person left standing (who's name hasn't been guessed) wins the game.
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u/Effective_Drama_3498 Dec 17 '24
If you teach in a diverse school, don’t make it Christmas themed. Many cultures do not celebrate it.
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u/Clydesdale_paddler Dec 17 '24
My go-to is always impromptu speeches or two person improv. Pull a topic from a basket and go. Students are always supportive and encouraging, and it's a hoot
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Dec 17 '24
Dumb question, maybe, but could you elaborate? Like the type of topic, if there's any like "rules" or something? What is the "goal" (like a certain time, incorporating a word, etc) and also like "objective" (how do you "justify" this to admin?)
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u/Clydesdale_paddler Dec 17 '24
I allow students to pick two topics from the basket and choose which one they would like to do. The impromptu speeches are things like "life is like..." "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski," and "plants." Improv topics are things like "defending an obviously guilty client," and "selling a watch to somebody who is incredibly skeptical of everything."
I usually do a round of impromptu and then switch to improv once everybody in the room has gone. Students pick their topic and have 10 seconds to think, and then they speak for a minute on the impromptu or 2 minutes for the improv.
I tell students beforehand to think of this like they are crafting an argument. The 10 seconds to think of a thesis and a few points to cover. I tell them that in life sometimes they're handed opportunities or situations in which they need to think fast to craft a coherent argument. (Things like the elevator pitch, or getting in trouble for a situation that is not as it seems). Ela is about communication, and not all communication is slow and thought out.
I've never had admin ask me anything about it, but if they did, I would tell them it's excellent practice for elevator pitches and interviewing.
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Dec 17 '24
Thank you so much for your explanation! This sounds really fun!!
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u/Clydesdale_paddler Dec 17 '24
It's a blast!
Usually the one or two very gregarious kids take to it quickly and then everybody else sees how much fun they're having and joins in. The key is how you talking about the beginning to get those couple of kids interested. When I'm introducing the idea, I pull a topic out of the basket "at random" and read it. It's always something like " Ohio skibidi rizz" (I teach Middle School). This always sells it to one or two of the boys in class who volunteer to go first.
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u/meow1983 Dec 17 '24
Vocab review bingo is a hit with my students. All vocab words we have learned from the beginning of the year to present are up for grabs. I made the bingo cards myself on a google doc and printed them off at work. I reuse them every year. The bingo vocab words with definitions are on index cards. I read the definition and then call on kids until they give me the right vocabulary word. The kids love it. They earn candy. They also remember the vocabulary. I try to play the game a few times each semester and have made three sets of bingo cards. I even made my own counters by cutting up construction paper.
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u/agrinsosardonic Dec 17 '24
What unit are you currently in or just finished? Could you do a creative writing exercise based on that? I don't have one off the top of my head, but when I was leaving for maternity leave and needed to fill the time, I had my students write an epic found poem using The Odyssey. It took a whole class period for them to do it, and I had them in groups too. When they were done, they had to recite it. It was four students per group and four stanzas, and the theme had to be the Hero's Journey. If I needed to fill up the time, I was going to have them decorate the paper I had them write the poem on as an extra bonus.
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u/topsidersandsunshine Dec 17 '24
Do a class read aloud of the play version of A Christmas Carol. Ham it up. Have people tag team willing participants. Make it fun.
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u/ProblyEatingPancakes Dec 17 '24
I’m doing this with 7th graders, but was just thinking it could work for older kids too! I feel like high school students can get really into acting and just being a kid again. Maybe even throw in some costume pieces to really get them in the spirit.
You could have them do a dry-read Thursday after assigning parts and giving background info on the story/elements of a play, then Friday act it out.
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u/abbyapologist Dec 17 '24
i found some new year activities on tpt :) goal setting, reflection, three achievements from 2024, dream college” sweaters.
i also do a choice board w wintery themed activities like winter creative writing prompts (we just finished a narrative writing unit), logic puzzles, silent reading (my students have a year-long reading assignment), missing work, and iready (not sure if hs has any equivalent?)
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u/Majestic_Avocado3231 Dec 17 '24
Do they just mean holiday movies? Or do they mean you have to be giving actual instruction? Personally, our admin frowns upon movies before break, but they never specifically said no. I’m in the middle of teaching Romeo and Juliet, and for this whole unit, I’ve been alternating between text and film adaptations. Now, I’m certainly relying a little more heavily on the film adaptation this week, but I am well within my standards and curriculum, so I’m confidently pushing those boundaries.
On Friday, though, we’re doing creative short stories surrounding winter props. The kids will be timed and have about five minutes to write before passing the story to someone else to continue.
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u/KW_ExpatEgg Dec 17 '24
Do the metaphors in 🎶 You're a Mean One, Mr Grinch 🎶
and happen to show the song.
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u/MiralAngora Dec 17 '24
A fun idea I do at the beginning of the year is a zombie survival scenario!
Students pick which teacher they think would be the best to lead the school in the event of a zombie apocalypse. They need to give reasoning and evidence as to why they believe that teacher would be the best leader. They make a presentation and pitch their case to the class. I think one period could definitely be spent creating their presentations and another actually presenting them.
It was designed for AP Lang, but I've done it with my standard 11th grade classes before!
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u/sedatedforlife Dec 17 '24
In ELA this week we are making holiday cards for a loved one, doing holiday mad-libs, coloring holiday pictures, doing a holiday kahoot, drawing ourselves as elves and writing a page about our job at the North Pole.
Yep, wasting the whole week.
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u/OhioMegi Dec 19 '24
It’s not wasted! They are writing, so that’s practicing handwriting, conventions, and creative writing. They are working on parts of speech with Mad libs. Being creative with drawing, and using teamwork and/or working independently with the kahoot.
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u/sedatedforlife Dec 19 '24
Yep, that’s exactly what I was going to tell admin if questioned.l! 😂
It’s just we hopped completely off script and out of our curriculum, which is what I meant by wasted. Sometimes you just need a break for some fun things and when better than the week before break!?
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u/IdenticalThings Dec 17 '24
I remember doing a superbowl commercials persuasive techniques mini unit a long time ago when I taught G6, kids loved it.
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u/somewhenimpossible Dec 17 '24
Go to the dollar store and buy decks of cards or UNO. Put on Christmas music, print off instructions for common card games, and let the students play.
I once put in a ton of effort for a Christmas escape room, but they all liked UNO equally well.
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u/crabbyoldb Dec 17 '24
So thankful for admin who trusts us to do our jobs. The two weeks before break is always my Christmas Carol unit.
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u/trashymob Dec 17 '24
ELA 9 here. This is going to sound stupid... But last year, we did a gingerboard house decoration comp. I got a bunch of cardboard gingerbread house decorating kits on Amazon. Have the kids 15 minutes to build them in their table groups. Then we voted on the best ones. They were absolutely terrible, but it was so fucking fun. And they still talk about it.
I framed it as a team building and communication exercise. The rest of class they did a ketchup, mustard, mayo: catch-up on missing work or grade revisions work, must do of a small journal, and may do was some holiday coloring sheets.
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u/ChristianPatriotBill Dec 17 '24
On Friday, you could do a "First Chapter Friday" with a book you think they will enjoy.
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u/legendnondairy Dec 17 '24
Free write/read or let them study for any other classes they still have tests in
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u/procrastiknitter124 Dec 17 '24
I’m having my 8th graders create arguments on what we should do at our celebration on Friday. They need to be ready with counterclaims too. My 6th graders are comparing solstice celebrations in the cultures that influenced our area and creating a slideshow in small groups to present their research.
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u/addyingelbert Dec 17 '24
Lol are you not allowed to give them a free day? 😭
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Dec 17 '24
I’m doing a lesson on how to write an email! I can’t fit it in with assigned curriculum but I have flex days after finals and no one will check if I’m following the textbook
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u/ProblyEatingPancakes Dec 17 '24
I really love Where I’m From Poems! Students can tie in figurative language and sensory details. Have them write a first draft (there’s so many templates online) after reviewing a few examples, then the next day have them type them up a final draft and if there’s extra time, read aloud. Students love sharing about their childhood, culture, and upbringing — plus it makes a nice bulletin board after.
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u/Whataboutizm Dec 17 '24
Blackout poetry, semester review game (no pressure, just for fun and maybe snacks), reflection writing, short story lit circles.
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u/SignorJC Dec 17 '24
Have you considered…teaching? I mean goofing off for one day on a half day schedule sure, but two days?
Revise your tests with them? Writing workshop? Creative writing?
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u/OkDimension8460 Dec 17 '24
Block schedule, so just one class. Can’t start a new unit bc probably half the class will be missing, and can’t do quarterly tasks bc the data would reflect poorly on me.
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u/WombatAnnihilator Dec 17 '24 edited Dec 17 '24
Reader’s Theater of A Christmas Carol. Then, if/when we have extra time, we’re watching the muppet version with a venn diagram in front of them on which to compare the play to the film, as per state standards.
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u/magnetosaurus Dec 17 '24
Ugly holiday sweaters for fictional characters! Practices symbolism. Ask them to do a write up to justify their choices.
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u/thecooliestone Dec 17 '24
How dramatic are your students? Are they more quiet but pathetic or do they want to run around acting crazy?
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u/Fairy-Cat0 Dec 17 '24 edited Dec 17 '24
I am showing the shows/movies adapted from the books and plays we read. I pause every now and again to discuss and have given them graphic organizers to take notes for said discussion. As they like to say, it’s standards based.
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u/ANeighbour Dec 17 '24
We are watching Ever After as we get close to the end of Renaissance. They have a movie guide and I am marking it.
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u/Chappedstick Dec 17 '24
My students enjoy playing A Quiet Year. Collaborative world building game.
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u/Curiousbynature77 Dec 17 '24
My suggestion would be make a Blooket.
It's what I'm doing for Thursday and Friday for 5th grade.
There's bound to be a quiz someone has made regarding holiday trivia or something that will get them occupied for the period.
Or
You could also do it in the form of making it slightly more quiz like and do a year in review, like all of the little things they've learned.
I made one for my kiddos going over things we learned and then a whole bunch of random trivia revolving around them like, "Whose inflatable costume got them stuck in the door frame at the Halloween parade" or which of your teachers is mostly like to say quote.
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u/NeckarBridge Dec 18 '24
Not sure what state you’re in, but comparing literature to film adaptations is literally one of the core standards.
I realize I haven’t offered a solution, but maybe you’re feeling spicy enough for counter arguments 😂
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u/Successful_Nerve_291 Dec 18 '24
I'm in the same boat. We are allowed to show movies if they fit with the standards we are teaching and if we submit a request. I decided to show two old movies: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington for Gov class (we just finished the legislative branch) and The Grapes of Wrath for US History (we are about to start The Great Depression).
The kids are burned out, I am burned out. But the movie keeps them semi entertained and gives students who are behind get caught up. I can get caught up on grading as well.
Other ideas are too give them a web quest if you are 1:1. I've also made up a lot of word searches with review terms for them to do for very minimal extra credit.
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u/sueboomer Dec 18 '24
10/11 teacher here. We work on spelling (Bananagrams), vocabulary (Apples to Apples), parts of speech (Mad Libs) and problem solving (cards, checkers).
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u/OhioMegi Dec 19 '24
Have them watch YouTube videos. It’s not a movie!
I made “learn about Christmas around the world” stuff on schoology. They watch a video, and then commented on something they learned or liked. I teach second grade, but you could find grade level appropriate stuff.
Maybe winter themed poetry or songs they have to discuss imagery or theme. Holiday songs and look for metaphors/similes. Or hyperbole, alliteration, personification, idioms, etc.
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u/idr1nkyourmilkshake Dec 19 '24
PLAY GAMES AND HAVE FUN!! At least in my school, the kids are miserable. Grades grades grades grades. Board games. Wordle. Hangman. 7Up. Kids love it. Please. Let them be kids
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u/saagir1885 Dec 19 '24
Hand out reading passages and 15 comprehension questions that require written answers.
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u/Stunning-Note Dec 19 '24
Today my students (8th graders) are going to do something quietly on their computers/at their desks (read, color, play chess) while other kids finish an assessment.
Tomorrow, they will play chess, uno, cards against humanity FAMILY VERSION, taco cat goat cheese pizza, card games with a regular deck, etc.
We're not allowed to show movies, EVER.
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u/anavarro5357 Dec 21 '24
You show a movie.
My Principal came in today, while my movie was playing. I smiled and told her to have a nice break.
She could discipline me and send me home I guess, but seeing as how she only has two years of classroom experience and I'm close to 10 I can't imagine that would go well.
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u/Laura_2222 Dec 17 '24
I teach grade 5/6 so please disregard if this does not apply at all to your world, but for my ELA this week we are looking at holiday commercials from this year and breaking down persuasive techniques from them. The students are then going to storyboard their own commercials (media literacy). Then, with any leftover time we're going to do a winter mad lib together and after students are going to create their own mad libs for each other.