The release of the Catching Fire DVD tonight at midnight is a reminder of all the learning opportunities the novel initiates. Use this opportunity to expand on those issues (which can be downloaded free from the Teach.com website or HERE) and investigate new ones with my Common Core-aligned packet of ready-to-use activities.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7 Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words. (from the NGA Common Core State Standard Initiative website)
More specifically, students will analyze the adaptation of the text to film. While an author uses words (through narrative and dialogue) to express the tone, the director uses visual techniques. One of my activities makes it easy for students to analyze the decisions the director makes, such as the lighting, sound effects, camera angles and focus, and coloring. (RL.7.7)
Students will also analyze how faithful the movie sticks to the text. Did the actors use the same dialogue or were changes made? If they were, students evaluate why. Many may find the new dialogue works better for a movie adaptation, or perhaps it doesn't. (RL.8.7 and RL.9-10.7)A student's perception of the text is also important: did the actors live up to how they pictured them in their heads while reading? If not, why not? If so, they can choose passages from the text that exemplifies the images on the screen. (RL.6.7)
The best part of having the DVD, of course, is being able to pause or revisit/replay scenes in order to have meaningful discussions during viewing. Students can interrupt with their questions and comments without being shushed in the theater.
