How I Transformed My Classroom Into a Movie Studio (2024)

Teacher Stories

by Guest Blogger

How I Transformed My Classroom Into a Movie Studio (1)

Hello, innovative educators, I’m Monica Sepa-LaFemina, and I’ve been an educator for thirteen years. I’m excited to share a game-changer in student engagement from my third-grade classroom in New Jersey: the BrainPOP Movie Film Festival.Lights, Camera, Learning!

Embarking On My Own Digital Journey

How I Transformed My Classroom Into a Movie Studio (2)

In the early days of my teaching career, technology played a supporting role in my classroom, noticeable but not spotlight-stealing. I was cautious about bringing new technology into my classroom, for fear of it distracting from what mattered most: high-quality instruction.

However, the narrative shifted when BrainPOP entered the scene. Moby and Annie (from BrainPOP Jr.) and the platform’s other captivating characters, demonstrated that education could leap beyond the screen. With BrainPOP, I recognized an untapped potential beyond the customary watch-and-quiz routine. Here was a tool that could be orchestrated to create immersive learning experiences, aligning perfectly with best practices that underscore active learning and critical thinking.

Integrating Digital Citizenship Step-by-Step

Although BrainPOP is an integrated part of my classroom landscape now, it takes the right kind of framing to help my students get the most out of their learning. Embracing digital tools in the classroom isn’t just about using technology; it’s about fostering digital citizenship and empowering students to navigate the digital world responsibly and creatively.

In my classroom, this journey unfolds progressively throughout the year, carefully tailored to my students’ growing digital competencies. Our tech journey starts with the ABCs of digital etiquette and the safe use of devices. As students get comfortable, we venture further, exploring the rich educational terrain that BrainPOP offers–all while reinforcing the principles of digital citizenship. When they’ve mastered these principles, they’re ready to prepare for their debuts!

Putting Their Learning into the Limelight

Here’s where the magic happens: our classroom morphs into a film studio, buzzing with creativity. Students don their director’s caps and choose from a universe of topics and spin them into their very own BrainPOP movies with Make-a-Movie.

The Journey from Preparation to Presentation

Every student filmmaker begins by submitting a detailed graphic organizer (download here). This isn’t just about plotting scenes; it’s about weaving education into storytelling, encouraging students to explore their topics deeply and present their understanding in a compelling way.

From there, each student begins the creative journey, starting with an individualized video assignment on BrainPOP that aligns with their chosen topic. The expectation isn’t merely to fill out organizers but to synthesize knowledge, articulate concepts, and illustrate their insights through their unique cinematic lens. This independent task, followed by individual teacher conferences, ensures that concepts are grasped, misunderstandings are addressed, and ideas are sound before the movie-making begins.

With a green light on their organizers, students are entrusted with the creative autonomy to direct and produce their movies in the classroom, a process that’s as educational as it is exhilarating. They’re applying technology to demonstrate understanding, creativity, and technical skills. Witnessing students, even those initially hesitant, confidently harness technology to articulate their learning is one of my favorite parts of the school year.

Student Learning Takes Center Stage

The grand finale of our educational journey is the much-anticipated showcase. Over the years, I’ve added a touch of Hollywood by encouraging students to dress up for their big day, and whenever possible, extending invitations to parents for the debut. The Film Festival isn’t just a passive viewing experience; it’s an interactive educational exchange.

Each student receives a BrainPOP Film Festival Independent Worksheet, turning them from filmmakers into critical viewers, actively engaging with their peers’ work. They’re tasked with noting facts and insights gleaned from each film, an assignment that reinforces attentive engagement and is subsequently assessed.

The energy in the room is palpable as students present their projects. Their pride and confidence soar as they showcase their hard work. Their creativity, the depth of content, and the innovative use of features never cease to amaze me year after year. This process underscores the importance of student voice and autonomy in learning environments.

How I Transformed My Classroom Into a Movie Studio (3)

Oscar-Level Confidence and Community

BrainPOP does more than just inform; it transforms. Each student film is a story of growth, a testament to the power of technology in boosting confidence and nurturing skills. This celebration of individual learning changes the dynamics of my classroom, as we celebrate each student’s unique journey, creativity, and courage.

Fellow educators, our role goes deeper than teaching. We’re here to inspire, ignite, and empower. Ready to make your classroom a hub of living, breathing learning? Call action on your student movies today!

Monica Sepa-LaFemina is a third-grade teacher at Oak Tree Road School in the Woodbridge Township School District. She has been teaching for thirteen years. Monica is passionate about teaching and strives for student success. She is a lifelong learner with her Masters Degree in Educational Administration along with continuing to expand her methods in any way she can.

Filed Under

Certified BrainPOP EducatorMake-a-MovieTeaching Resources

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How I Transformed My Classroom Into a Movie Studio (2024)

FAQs

How do you turn your classroom into a movie theater? ›

You can set up a movie theater in your classroom by using an overhead projector (to show the "movie") and arranging chairs in front of it. This pack has everything you need: - various signs (hours, Now Playing, Hot Popcorn, etc.) - labels to organize your concession stand (i.e. popcorn, chips, etc.)

How can I show a movie in my classroom? ›

The Federal Copyright Act specifies that copyrighted materials like movies can be used in your schools if properly licensed. It's important to know that neither the rental nor purchase of a movie carries the right to exhibit it outside of someone's home.

What are the educational benefits of using film in classroom teaching? ›

Visual learners, for example, benefit from the rich audiovisual content that film provides, allowing them to better understand and retain information. Additionally, film encourages creativity and imagination, as students are exposed to different narratives, cultures, and perspectives.

How do you introduce a movie in class? ›

Introduce the film very briefly and show it right through, followed by discussion and analysis (see Strategy A in the Strategies for Viewing section, p 5). Show the film in sections with pauses for comments and discussion (see Strategy B in the Strategies for Viewing section).

How can Theatre be used in the classroom? ›

When the students make a drama, they learn to express themselves as well as other communication skills, empathy, role playing and teamwork skills. Drama can be used in any subject to take a deep dive into a theme and focus on its reasons, consequences and study and understand it from multiple perspectives.

Is it legal to show Netflix in classroom? ›

Q: Can I show Netflix movies in the classroom without seeking permission from the copyright owner? In general, NO. Movies fall into a different category than written works. Unless the movie is in the public domain, generally a license to view the movie will restrict public performances.

Is it legal to film in a classroom? ›

The use by any person, including a student, of any electronic listening or recording device in any classroom without the prior consent of the instructor is prohibited, except as necessary to provide reasonable auxiliary aids and academic adjustments to disabled students.

Why do teachers show movies in class? ›

Use movies and videos to enhance students' learning.

Visual media can be great for learning, and not just because it's engaging! From a media literacy perspective, it's important for students of all ages to learn how to think critically about different types of media -- including movies and videos.

What two things do most film schools teach? ›

A film school is an educational institution dedicated to teaching aspects of filmmaking, including such subjects as film production, film theory, digital media production, and screenwriting. Film history courses and hands-on technical training are usually incorporated into most film school curricula.

How can film be an educational tool? ›

A film can be an effective teaching tool because it can effectively engage students, facilitate meaningful experiences, and encourage critical thinking, contemplation, conversations, or analysis.”

How do movies teach lessons? ›

Movies for kids and teens aren't only designed to entertain. They can also be imbued with messages about what's right and wrong, what actions make a hero or villain, and how to navigate moral dilemmas. Consider The Hate U Give, a movie that deals with how teens can use their voice against racialized gun violence.

How to use films in teaching? ›

Explain the purpose of the film or clip to your students before you start. Students need to know what they are expected to learn and expected to do with the information. Build up the lesson with a pre-viewing activity, provide an activity for during-viewing, and follow up with a post-viewing activity.

What do the students need to do before going to the movie? ›

1. What do the students need to do before going to the movie? They need to get permission slips signed by their parents before going to the movies. 2.

How do you plan a movie night at school? ›

Movie night is best to take place on a Friday night rather than a “school night”. Many parents work, often until 5:00 or 6:00 pm, so consider this when scheduling the movie time. Great locations can be your classroom if you have a screen or projector, school library or even your gym so the event feels informal and fun.

How do you become a movie set teacher? ›

In order to be a studio teacher, you must have both an elementary and a secondary teaching credential. It's possible you will be working with minors of all grade levels so you need to be comfortable teaching all levels and multiple subjects.

Is it OK to make out in a movie theater? ›

There's no shame in making out in a movie theatre. This romantic move is beloved by high school students and adults who are in the mood alike. And let's face it — sometimes, there's just no better place to make out than in a dark, cool movie theatre, where there is a sexy feeling of closeness and anonymity.

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