"The Hunger Games" DVD Release August 18th - With Classroom Connections

The Hunger Games DVD cover image via Entertainment Weekly

 

Let the 12-week Countdown Begin!

Entertainment Weekly announced this week that the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of "The Hunger Games" movie will be released at 12:01 a.m. on August 18th...just in time for the start of a new school year!

One of the great features in the two-disc set is three (yes, three!) hours of bonus footage. It includes an eight-part behind-the-scenes documentary called The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games. 

You'll be able to pre-order the DVD or Blu-Ray versions tomorrow (Friday, May 25th - which marks the 12-week countdown to its release) for $39.99 or $30.99.

Many people have questioned why Lionsgate has gone against conventional wisdom when it comes to both the movie release and DVD release dates. Traditionally, most block-buster movies debut in the summer (such as the "Harry Potter" movies) and the DVDs are released around the holidays–perfect for stocking stuffers. But to me, it's a no-brainer. The Hunger Games trilogy is such a popular series to read (and teach) in school, so it only makes sense that the movie be released during a time when students are most-likely to be taking field trips while the DVD will hit the shelves as teachers and students are heading back to the classroom. Chocking it full of extras that enhance the educational aspect of the film further solidifies this. So I'd like to send Lionsgate a big "Thank You" for thinking of those of us in the field of education.

Classroom Connections

One topic covered in the extras that will be especially useful for teachers and students studying The Hunger Games is the discussion about why certain aspects from the novel did or did not make it into the movie. This can help in students' analysis of the film and the rationale behind the changes.

Image courtesy of http://www.charlesatlas.com

Another noteworthy feature is the actual "Propaganda Film" from the movie. I have a feeling there's more about the Dark Days and the first rebellion, as written in the novel. And perhaps there's even more about the Treaty of Treason that offers additional insight. I'd also like to study the actual images and video used in the piece. Was it just me, or was there a Charles Atlas moment in there when showing the boy and girl tributes (likely depicting Careers, obviously)? This feature will be an interesting addition to your lessons on propaganda. You can compare the scenes with advertisements like those for the Mr. Atlas program.

Will we ever see an official map of Panem?

As with the release of the movie in theaters, I feel as though the DVD will continue to fill in the blanks left by the movie. I have not read anything about offering an official Map of Panem, but an article on Down With the Capitol quotes Lionsgate's press release stating that there will be commentary about the creation of the control room, which features the three-dimensional map of the arena.

So, since we don't get an official Map of Panem in "The Hunger Games" movie, when, if at all, do you think we'll get to see one? I had heard rumors that "The Hunger Games Adventures" online game would feature one, but I have yet to see one surface. It would make sense that we would have to wait until the "Mockingjay" movie to see one. [SPOILER ALERT!] I think the first moment we "see" one in the novels is when Katniss is in Command in District 13 and President Coin walks around the room "studying the illuminated district maps that show the ongoing troop positions in the war" (from Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, page 76). What do you think? Is there an earlier moment to release it? Or will they release it at all?

Resources
Here's a link to my unofficial maps of Panem and rationale for district placement.
For teaching materials, see my Hunger Games Book vs. Movie activities packet, which is also included on my Hunger Games Complete Teaching Unit on CD.

TeachersPayTeachers Now Accepting Purchase Orders by Schools

Great news for my fellow teachers:

Teachers Pay Teachers is now accepting school purchase orders, making it even easier for you to load up on the most affordable resources and educational materials for your classroom. You'll no longer have to pay out of your own pocket and wait to get reimbursed from your district--just use the same process to check-out, only selecting the purchase-order option instead.

Take advantage of this great new way to pay, especially for those higher-dollar products, like my Hunger Games Trilogy CDs, which includes every single lesson I have for teaching The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, AND Mockingjay. I also have CDs for teaching Poetry, Literature Resources for Any Novel, and the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. All have my signature creative lessons that make learning fun for all students. 

 Of course, I have plenty of inexpensive and FREE resources, as well, in my store. 

Hope you all have a wonderful finish to the school year!

My Favorite Hunger Games "Pins" This Week

Pinterest is a great site to find visual aides to use in your classroom. I love finding new fan art for The Hunger Games, like this poster of Katniss (left) by Panem Propaganda. After pinning, I checked out their site and loved it! They have amazing original artwork and some very cool maps of Panem, as well.

So I decided to write up a post of some of my favorite Hunger Games "pins" for the week. The images might inspire you to create your own, encourage your students to create fan art, or maybe help you find some interesting ideas for your classroom or for discussion.

Feel free to re-pin from my boards (I have several Hunger Games boards, including Teaching The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games Trilogy, and Hunger Games Freebies). To see the full size images, you'll want to go to one of the boards or the original source (these are just thumbnails).

Here's another pin from Panem Propaganda:

Rise Against the Capitol, pinned by Yourheatherness

I love the look of this poster. Maybe it's the font, maybe it's the colors. But I think it's pretty cool: 

The Capitol is Watching, by breadinhotchocolate... and pinned by The Hunger Games Fireside Chat

This book sculpture is just truly awe-inspiring, isn't it!? 

Created by etsy seller BeckyJArts and found here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92908844/book-sculpture-the-hunger-games  and pinned by Mashable

I thought this image made a thought-provoking discussion-starter: what would the Hunger Games be like with characters from other series/movies/books (the original idea, of course, was concocted by Adam Spunberg, Savanna New, and Shylah Addante when they created The Potter Games last summer).  Image pinned by iwastesomuchtime.com

A hilarious parody by "How It Should Have Ended" or HISHE for short. They have a couple of Hunger Games animated shorts they posted on their YouTube channel. Hunger Games HISHE - Bonus Scene, pinned by Me.

 

And finally, my "Make Your Own Hunger Games Poster" digital download. It's an editable template you can use to create your own classroom posters using Hunger Games-inspired backgrounds (based on the cover and inside pages of the novels), pinned by Me.

What are your favorites?

Sharing a Post From Mrs. Orman's Classroom: Replace Student Journals with a Class Blog

Did you know that I also blog on "Mrs. Orman's Classroom"? I try to keep this one devoted to Hunger Games-related posts, and all other English/language arts posts over there. (I've also ventured into making clip art and blog about it there.) But I thought you may be interested in my latest post about student blogging. Today my students wrote some pretty awesome Teacher Appreciation thank-you notes and it restored my faith that kids CAN write when they really want to. You can check out my post in the link below:

Mrs. Orman's Classroom: Replace Student Journals with a Class Blog: I teach at a 1:1 Mac school. This year marked our third year with laptops at the high school and I knew I wanted to do something differ...

May 8: Happy Birthday Katniss Everdeen

Happy Birthday, Girl On Fire!

Let's see, this would make you a few hundred negative years old?

Will you celebrate Katniss' birthday in your classroom? 

If so, share how you will be celebrating in the comments below.

If you need some ideas, here are 8 things you can have your students do to honor our heroine from The Hunger Games trilogy on May 8th:

1. Participate in Shylah's Literacy Revolution by donating on DonorsChoose.org for classrooms in need of The Hunger Games books.

2. Donate food to your local food bank in honor of all the District citizens.

3. Sing "Happy Birthday" to Katniss or compose your own original birthday song tribute.

4. Create a birthday card for Katniss and post a link below.

5. Look up Katniss' horoscope (Taurus) for May 8.

6. Because Katniss' birthday is the only one we know, look at the character traits/horoscopes of the astrological signs and debate which signs the other characters fall under.

7. Bake a birthday cake (like Peeta would do) for Katniss & share with your classmates.

8. Before class begins, give Katniss the 3-finger silent salute. 

To read more suggestions, check out Sara Gundell's post on The Hunger Games Examiner:
Fans Celebrate 'The Hunger Games' Character Katniss Everdeen's Birthday

Who Were the Best Teachers in The Hunger Games Trilogy?

Hmmm...was Cinna the best teacher for Katniss?

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, so that has me thinking...
Who were the best teachers for Katniss in The Hunger Games trilogy?

Cinna? Haymitch? Effie? Peeta? Gale? Finnick? Boggs? Johanna? Plutarch? Her mother? Madge? Maybe even Primrose? Or perhaps President Snow in his sick, twisted way?

CLASSROOM CONNECTION
This might be a good writing prompt for your students: which characters seemed to teach Katniss the most--about herself, about the Games, or just about life?

Students can also write which "lessons" Katniss learned that were most valuable.

This might be an interesting small-group discussion activity. I could see students arguing for or against certain characters as being the best or most effective "teachers." To prep them, ask them what it takes to be a good teacher? Is it more important that you learn despite unorthodox delivery (as in Haymitch's mentoring techniques), or is delivery of instruction just as important (such as Cinna's gentle way of teaching Katniss)?

So what do YOU think? Which character was the best teacher for Katniss?

Three Days of Appreciation for Teachers

Last year we gave you one awesome day of sales for Teacher Appreciation Week on Teachers Pay Teachers. Well, this year you get three! That way you can always come back for those items you forgot you needed.

I'll be hosting 20% off in my store and TpT owner Paul will be giving you another 10% off in savings if you use the code TAD12 at checkout. Don't forget that Sunday I'll be posting one item free, so be sure to check my Teacher Jackpot link Saturday night to find out which product you can download.

If you check my MOST RECENT UPLOADS, you'll see all the new products (both free and priced) I've uploaded. I do teach more than just The Hunger Games trilogy. ;]

Some of my newer products you might like include:

Customizable Hunger Games Posters - You asked for it, I delivered! Here are three templates in two different sizes that you can type directly on & print. Write your own messages for your students, classroom, and library!

One Direction Song Lyrics Activity - One Direction is ultra-popular with tweens & teens right now. Why not harness that enthusiasm for music and incorporate their songs into your lessons? Your students will love you for "letting them" listen to it in class.

Caption It! (2) Creative and Expository Writing Exercises - Another bundle of images: Your students can practice creative writing or use it for journalism to teach caption writing. Either way, it's a fun and versatile activity. 

Plus, I'll be adding more this weekend...

And if you still haven't purchased my Hunger Games Introduction & Visual Aides Powerpoint yet, the sale will be a perfect time to get it at a low price. It's more than just an introduction...I have visual aides and prompts for the entire novel (with stopping points so you won't give anything away). Includes a student handout, as well.

New Photos of Henry River Mill Village

Margaret Whisnant of Taking Grades for Teachers has once again taken some great pictures of Henry River Mill Village. Because she doesn't live too far away, she was able to spend some time there on a nice sunny day and snap some remarkable photos. I know many of you who have seen the movie will recognize a lot of these shots. Plus, she included some never-before-seen images of "District 12."

Check out her package, which includes 20 photos and a brief history, in her TpT store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Hunger-Games-Photos-from-District-Twelve

She also has details about it in her blog: http://takinggrades.blogspot.com/2012/05/hunger-games-twenty-photos-from.html

These will certainly be wonderful visual aides for your lessons!

Get Ready for the Teacher Appreciation JACKPOT!

*The Jackpot is now closed.* 

I hope you were able to cash-in on some wonderful products to jump-start Teacher Appreciation Week! Please know that we are grateful for everything you do to teach our children. Have a great finish to your school year! And don't forget, the Teacher Appreciation Sale is still going on for two additional days. Click on the image below to start shopping:

Do you ever wish that just once you would get lucky enough to win something? Well, your luck is about to change!


To show our appreciation to our fellow teachers, over 130 teachers have teamed up to bring you a mother-load of free products. And I'm not talking about products that are already free. These are lessons and resources that are normally priced between $3-$8 that will be offered FREE on TeachersPayTeachers  to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week. It is Sunday only, so don't miss out!

You can download my product (normally $4.99) here:

Writing and Mini-Research Projects Using Quotes

This lesson can be used in many content areas and is aligned with the Common Core Standards. I hope you will find it useful for many years.

I'll also be having a 20% off sale on everything in my store Sunday through Tuesday, so it's a great time to stock up on all those lessons to finish the year AND prepare for next year. Since the site is participating in an additional 10% off (if you use coupon code TAD12 at check out) that's like 30% off! Thank you, Teachers, for all you do!

Though my site includes the link-up for the 7-12th grade teachers below (scroll down to see all the blogs participating), you can find the other grade-level links on the blogs of our generous hosts for this awesome event. These three ladies coordinated everything, so give them a big hand:

PK - Grade 2 - April McNair on A Modern Teacher 
Grades 3 - 6 - Laura Candler on Corkboard Connections 
Grades 7 - 12 - Adrianne Meldrum on The Tutor House 

Mother's Day in Panem?

How would the characters in The Hunger Games trilogy celebrate Mother's Day?

When you think about it, not many of the characters have great relationships with their mothers. As Mother's Day nears, this is a good time to talk about those strained relationships because chances are we have students who may not have the greatest relationships with a parent, as well. Because of that, it's also important to discuss what the characters could do to help patch their relationships.

Does this seem silly? Many teens may not want to discuss their own personal feelings, but they will talk about a fictional character's feelings. And perhaps it will help them deal better with what's going on in their lives knowing that others may be experiencing the same thing.

Using the handout, found here, have students work in small groups to discuss (and/or record) the relationships each character has with her/his mother. Have them describe the relationship, then use evidence from the text to support those claims. Working together, students should be able to find particular passages that show or infer the type of relationship.

Finally, have them brainstorm ways that character could initiate a reconciliation with their mother. In Catching Fire and Mockingjay, a further discussion of mental illness would be appropriate. Start with asking students how people today cope with mental illness and the services that are available. Then have students think of what services the characters have available to them and what they could do to get help. It's important for students to realize that it is an illness--just like Katniss doesn't understand why her mother mentally abandoned her, students may be feeling the same about a loved one. If they can get past the bitterness they feel toward that person and see that their loved one can not help the way they act, perhaps they can begin to come to terms with it.

Students can also discuss abusive relationships and what options the character(s) have to get away from the abuse. Many of the services we have today are probably not available to the citizens of Panem (it is mentioned that physical abuse is present at the group/community home in District 12, which would be an even worse alternative). What options do they have in Panem? Start with the options available to children today and see if any of those would apply or work for the character(s). 

Though these are heavy topics, hopefully students will appreciate the relationships they have with their mothers, or if they need help, they will seek it.

Download the FREE packet: Hunger Games Mother's Day Writing & Discussion Prompts

Which Poems Would Katniss and Peeta Carry for Poem in Your Pocket Day?

A "Things That Make Me Go Hmmm..." Post

April 26th is National Poem in Your Pocket Day. To celebrate poetry and spread literacy, every one is encouraged to carry their favorite poem with them tomorrow. So, of course, this got me to thinking...which poems would the characters of The Hunger Games carry?

I've decided that Peeta would carry one of my favorite ee cummings poems: [i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]
To me it fits him (and his feelings for Katniss) perfectly. He would do anything for her and even professes in Catching Fire that his nightmares are about losing her. I think you can look at the line "here is the deepest secret nobody knows" two different ways: that the secret is that the speaker carries the heart in his heart or that the secret is something that keeps them apart. Either translation works for Peeta: his love is a secret until revealed. And there are a number of things throughout the trilogy that keeps them apart, making the second translation of that line work.

What do you think about this poem for Peeta?

[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]
By E. E. Cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
                                                 i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Poem source: Poetry Foundation http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/179622

Now on to Katniss...she is much harder to pinpoint. She has such a defensive nature and does not like to express her emotions. She feels bitter toward her mother and misses her father profusely. She's not the sappy type, so I chose a very somber poem titled "Eulogy" by Kevin Young. Why this poem? First, it reminded me of [spoiler alert!] Katniss in her old training room in Mockingjay while her trial is going on. I think she would express these words after she kills herself by starvation. And yet, she fails to allow the darkness to swallow her. She turns inward, just like her mother as we learned in the beginning of The Hunger Games, and the circle has come full. Just as the circle of life closes around us all.

I think "Eulogy" is perfect in its seeming simplicity (I love shorter poems that have these hidden layers of complexity). I could imagine Katniss not wanting people to mourn too long over her death. And I thought literally of the lightness of her casket--in her emaciated state. But, there's so much more than literal translation in those lines. Has the weight of the nation been lifted finally? Is that why she wouldn't want them to startle? OK...I know I'm getting too deep here because obviously Mr. Young did not write this about Katniss. But this is what I love about poetry: we can all find connections to these beautiful words. And at different points in our lives, we'll find different meanings, even in our old favorites.

Eulogy
by Kevin Young
To allow silence To admit it in us always moving Just past senses, the darkness What swallows us and we live amongst What lives amongst us * These grim anchors That brief sanctity the sea Cast quite far when you seek —in your hats black and kerchiefs— to bury me * Do not weep but once, and a long time then Thereafter eat till your stomach spills over No more! you'll cry too full for your eyes to leak * The words will wait * Place me in a plain pine box I have been for years building It is splinters not silver It is filled of hair * Even the tongues of bells shall still * You who will bear my body along Spirit me into the six Do not startle at its lack of weight How light

Poem source: Poets.org http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/22169
Kevin Young's official website:  http://www.kevinyoungpoetry.com/

CLASSROOM CONNECTION

Have your students discuss which poems they think the characters would carry in their pocket and why. This can be done for any piece of literature.

Why is this a great activity? First, they have to read a lot of poems. Second, they have to be familiar with the literature to make a connection. Third, it allows them to be creative. And fourth, there are no wrong answers.

Enjoy Poem in Your Pocket Day; and enjoy poetry EVERY DAY! :)

Pinterest Makes Possible a Potpourri of Resources & Examples for Teachers

Last summer my good friend Amy from Science Stuff introduced me to Pinterest. At first, I didn't really understand why people were making a big deal over it. Now, I'm hooked. It's one of the first places I go to find visual examples for class. In addition, teachers are using it to share their resources and materials with one another. You can find tons of freebies, tips, helpful websites, and student/classroom examples.

Hunger Games Related Boards

Check out fellow Hunger Games teacher Carla's Pinterest board of student projects here: The Hunger Games
Didn't her students do a fabulous job? The arena replicas are amazing. I love the attention to detail.

As I previously pointed out, you can find my Pinterest board for freebies here (and by clicking the button to the right): Hunger Games Freebies

I also have a board with links to any website or activity that I think would be helpful when teaching The Hunger Games. Some of the items are priced and some are just great websites you may find helpful: Teaching The Hunger Games

Classroom Pics is self-explanatory; you'll find my students' work and displays from my classroom.

Bookish News & Fun isn't solely related to The Hunger Games, but it's a great collaborative board started by Penelope from The Reading Fever. You'll find some great book-related sites and examples.

Do you have a Hunger Games-related board you'd like to share? If so, post it in the comments below.

Collaborative Teaching Boards

If you are looking exclusively for resources for high school, check out High School Herd, which is a collaborative board created by Charity Preston of the Organized Classroom Blog. You'll find all subjects here.

Middle School Maestros is the middle-school collaborative board for resources in the middle/intermediate grades.

For language arts exclusive lessons/activities from TeachersPayTeachers, check out Victoria Leon's (from The Best of TeachersPayTeachers) collaborative board: TpT Language Arts

For FREE lessons from TeachersPayTeachers, here's the collaborative freebie board, also started by Victoria: TPT FREE Lessons

Victoria started the collaborative blogs for every subject area. You can find them all here: The Best of TpT

Pinterest is also great to get some creative ideas, like Picture Writing Prompts. Use these prompts for journaling and creative, persuasive, expository, and narrative writing practice.

The Creative Classroom by Teachers is pinned by teachers who love to inspire creativity in others.

Do you belong to any collaborative Hunger Games-, teaching-, book-, or education-related boards? If so, post a link in the comments below.