Introduction
Are you tired of the same old boring lectures in your classroom? Looking for a way to engage your students while also educating them? Look no further than the power of movies! Incorporating films into your lesson plans not only adds an element of entertainment, but can also spark meaningful discussions and enhance student comprehension. In this blog post, we will explore some must-see classroom movies that are sure to captivate and inspire your students. So grab some popcorn and get ready to learn!
Classroom movies you should let your students watch during classes
One of the best ways to engage students during classes is by incorporating movies into the curriculum. Classroom movies can not only be entertaining but also educational, as they offer a unique perspective on various topics and themes. Here are some recommended classroom movies that you should let your students watch.
The Shawshank Redemption is an inspiring movie about hope, determination, and perseverance. It teaches valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and never giving up despite life’s challenges.
Forrest Gump is another classic film that provides insight into American history while telling a heartwarming story about the power of kindness and love. Students can learn about significant events in US history while being entertained by Forrest’s adventures.
Dead Poet’s Society is a thought-provoking movie that encourages young adults to think for themselves and challenge conventional thinking. The film inspires creativity and critical thinking while exploring themes like conformity versus individuality.
The Breakfast Club is an essential coming-of-age movie that explores social dynamics among high school students from different backgrounds. The film teaches empathy and understanding towards others who may seem different from oneself.
Lean on Me tells the inspiring true story of Principal Joe Clark who transformed Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey. This powerful drama highlights the importance of education in overcoming adversity while emphasizing leadership qualities such as accountability and discipline.
A Few Good Men offers thrilling courtroom drama with important lessons about ethics, honor codes, military values, leadership responsibility under pressure or authority figures abuse their power to justify disregarding those principles
These classroom movies cater to diverse audiences yet convey valuable messages through captivating storytelling techniques making them engaging learning materials for classrooms today!
The Shawshank Redemption
“The Shawshank Redemption” is an American classic that tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to prison. The movie explores themes of hope, friendship, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
One of the most powerful aspects of “The Shawshank Redemption” is the relationship between Andy and Red, played by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman respectively. Their unlikely friendship serves as a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak environment.
Another notable aspect of the movie is its portrayal of life inside prison walls. From corrupt guards to brutal violence among inmates, “The Shawshank Redemption” does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities faced by those behind bars.
But amidst all this darkness, there are moments of beauty and redemption that shine through. Whether it’s watching Andy introduce his fellow inmates to opera music or witnessing his daring escape from prison, “The Shawshank Redemption” proves that even in the darkest places, there can be light.
Overall,”The Shawshank Redemption” remains a timeless classic with enduring themes that continue to resonate with audiences today.
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is a classic movie that tells the story of an innocent and kind-hearted man who witnesses and plays a part in some of the most significant events in American history. The film follows Forrest’s life, from his childhood to adulthood, where he meets important people such as Elvis Presley, President John F. Kennedy, and even becomes a national ping pong champion.
The story is beautifully crafted with brilliant acting performances by Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump and Robin Wright as Jenny Curran. Their relationship throughout the film adds depth to the plotline which explores themes such as love, war, loss and hope.
One of the notable aspects of this movie is its soundtrack which features songs from various genres like rock n roll, country music and soul music. It has become an iconic aspect of pop culture with tracks like “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd or “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Forrest Gump teaches us about perseverance against all odds; it shows how one can find joy in simple things despite facing challenges along the way. This timeless masterpiece deserves recognition for its artistic merit and cultural influence on society today.
Dead Poet’s Society
“Dead Poet’s Society” is a classic movie that has touched the hearts of many students and teachers alike. The film tells the story of an English teacher, John Keating, who inspires his students at an all-boys school to embrace their individuality and pursue their passions.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Keating takes his class outside to stand on desks and look at life from a different perspective. This moment showcases how important it is for educators to challenge their students’ thinking and encourage them to think outside the box.
The film also explores themes such as conformity, tradition, and free-thinking. It teaches us that sometimes we need to break away from societal norms in order to truly be ourselves and achieve our goals.
Furthermore, “Dead Poet’s Society” highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passion despite what others may think or say. As educators, it’s crucial we support our students’ interests even if they don’t fit into conventional career paths.
In conclusion, “Dead Poet’s Society” is a must-watch classroom movie that can inspire both teachers and students alike. Its message about embracing individuality while challenging traditional thinking will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a classic high school movie that still resonates with students today. The film explores the social dynamics and stereotypes of high school students, showing how they can be broken down when individuals are forced to spend time together.
The characters in The Breakfast Club represent different cliques found in most high schools: the jock, the nerd, the popular girl, the rebel and the outcast. While initially hostile towards each other, they eventually bond over their shared experiences and feelings of isolation.
One of the most memorable scenes from The Breakfast Club is when each character shares their personal struggles and vulnerabilities with each other. This moment shows that despite their outward appearances and reputations, they all have deep-seated insecurities and fears.
The Breakfast Club teaches valuable lessons about empathy, understanding and breaking down societal barriers. It’s a timeless film that continues to inspire generations of young people to look beyond surface-level differences and connect on a deeper level.
Lean on Me
Lean on Me is a gripping movie that every student should watch during their classroom hours. This movie revolves around the life of Joe Clark, an experienced and dedicated educator who takes up the role of a principal in a struggling New Jersey high school.
The movie shows how Mr. Clark used his tough-love approach to change the lives of his students and turn the school’s academic performance around. He instilled discipline and motivated students to strive for excellence despite their challenging circumstances.
One notable scene in the movie is when Mr. Clark expels all drug dealers from Eastside High School, sending a strong message that illegal drugs had no place within its walls. The move caused controversy but also brought about positive change as it helped reduce violence and improve discipline among students.
Lean on Me teaches important lessons such as perseverance, leadership, dedication, courage, and empathy – values that are essential for success both inside and outside the classroom. It is truly an inspiring film that will motivate any student to pursue excellence regardless of their background or challenges they may face in life.
A Few Good Men
“A Few Good Men” is an iconic movie that can be a valuable educational tool for any classroom. The film follows the story of two Marines who are charged with the murder of a fellow soldier, and their defense team’s efforts to uncover the truth behind what happened.
One of the key themes explored in “A Few Good Men” is that of honor and integrity. As students watch this movie, they will have the opportunity to grapple with complex questions about what it means to do what is right, even when it isn’t easy.
Another important aspect of “A Few Good Men” is its exploration of power dynamics within organizations like the military. This can be an especially relevant topic for students who may be considering careers in fields like law enforcement or politics.
Beyond these themes, “A Few Good Men” also features powerful performances from actors like Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. These performances help bring the characters to life in a way that makes them feel real and relatable for viewers.
Overall, “A Few Good Men” is definitely worth watching with your students if you’re looking for ways to engage them in thought-provoking discussions about ethics, power dynamics, and more.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this article on classroom movies, it’s important to remember that incorporating films into your teaching can be a valuable tool for student engagement and learning. The movies mentioned in this article are just a few examples of the many options available.
By showing these films, you can introduce students to different cultures, historical events, and social issues while promoting critical thinking skills. Moreover, discussing the themes and messages presented in each movie can spark thoughtful class discussions and increase participation.
It is also essential to consider age-appropriateness when selecting a film for your class. Some movies may contain mature content or language that is not suitable for all ages.
Using classroom movies as part of your teaching strategy requires careful consideration of both educational value and appropriateness. By carefully selecting appropriate films and facilitating meaningful discussions around them with your students, you can create an engaging learning environment that promotes active learning through observation and reflection.
