8th Grade Reading Movie Guides

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 1
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

This 4-page packet is perfect for students to complete while watching any movie. It's a great lesson plan for emergency sub situations, ensuring that kids stay engaged and continue learning even when you can't be there.

The worksheets are designed to keep students actively thinking about the movie.

Every 10 minutes, students will respond to the movie with a variety of activities:

• Summaries: Students will write a short summary of what happened in the last 10 minutes. This helps them pay attention to the plot and remember key events.
• Character Analysis: Students will choose a character and describe what the character is doing, how they are feeling, and why they are important to the story. This activity helps students understand character development and relationships.
• Reflective Questions: Students will answer questions that encourage them to think more deeply about the movie and connect it to their own lives. Some example questions include:
  • What events happened in this section? Have you experienced anything like that? This helps students make personal connections with the story.
  • Do you agree or disagree with the message of this section? This encourages students to think critically and form their own opinions.
  • What can you learn from this section, and how can you apply it to your life? This question prompts students to think about the lessons they can take away from the movie and how they can use them in real life.

The final page of the packet provides a creative space for students to express themselves. It's an open area where they can doodle, draw pictures, and write words about the theme of the movie. This encourages artistic expression and helps students process the movie in a fun and engaging way.

This versatile resource is designed to be used with any movie, making it adaptable for different subjects and grade levels. It's a simple yet effective tool to keep on hand for any emergency. With this packet, you can be confident that your students will remain challenged and engaged, even when you aren't there to guide them.

Whether you're dealing with an unexpected absence or planning for a substitute, this movie packet is a reliable solution to maintain a productive and educational classroom environment.

Here are some great religious movie ideas...

Bible Miniseries

Therese

The Nativity Story

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 6
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

This 4-page movie lesson plan packet is designed to guide students through the inspiring story of Saint John Bosco in the film Mission to Love.

Ideal for quiet movie days, faith-centered class activities, or sub plans, this packet introduces students to the life and mission of Saint John Bosco and his influential work with youth.

Saint John Bosco, often referred to as “Don Bosco,” was known for his compassion and dedication to educating young people, particularly those who were disadvantaged. Through his efforts, he founded the Salesian order, emphasizing a unique blend of faith, education, and charity.

Mission to Love brings to life his mission and the influence of his work, including his profound impact on Saint Dominic Savio, one of his young followers who became a saint due to his extraordinary faith and commitment to kindness.

This packet is perfect for helping students in grades 4-12 explore essential faith-based themes, including sainthood, charity, perseverance, and the power of faith in action.

The worksheets guide students through critical aspects of the movie, with vocabulary lists explaining terms like "saint," "bishop," "oratory," "priest," and "lay person," providing an accessible way for students to engage with important concepts. There’s also a character guide to support students in remembering the various historical figures introduced, many of whom have significant roles in Catholic history and are on the path to sainthood.

By watching the movie with these notes and comprehension questions, students deepen their understanding of the movie’s themes while practicing active listening and reflection. Whether used for regular classes, sub plans, or even religious education, this Mission to Love movie lesson plan packet helps students build their knowledge of Catholic saints, draw inspiration from Saint

John Bosco's dedication to young people, and see how faith in action can change lives. The packet's structured activities ensure that even on “quiet” movie days, students are actively engaged, learning, and thinking critically about faith, charity, and sainthood.

This packet can be a valuable resource for teachers looking to enrich their curriculum with meaningful Catholic content that resonates with students and fosters a lasting appreciation for the lives of the saints and the mission of Saint John Bosco. Mission to Love can be found for streaming or purchase here.

I've watched the movie with students in grades 4-12 and all of them come away with a love for Saint John Bosco and an understanding of his mission. You can find the movie here: https://amzn.to/3ZKPbEy

1. 18-Day Disabilities & Equity Unit Grades 6+ | Project, Essay, Assessments, Seminar

Description:
Explore the theme of equity and disabilities in schools and society with this 18-day unit designed for grades 6+. Students will engage with informational texts, videos, and case studies, leading to a STAAR-aligned extended essay and research project. This resource includes Socratic seminars, assessments, and creative projects to promote critical thinking and empathy. Perfect for SEL, humanities, and cross-curricular classrooms.

2. 18-Day Human Migration & Immigration Unit Grades 7+ | Project, Poetry, Assessments

Description:
Dive into the global topic of migration and immigration with this 18-day thematic unit for grades 7+. Through poetry, short stories, and informational texts, students will explore the historical and contemporary experiences of immigrants. Includes project-based assessments, writing tasks, and creative multimedia projects to foster understanding and empathy. A great resource for ELA, social studies, and SEL instruction.

3. 18-Day Multimedia Anti-Bullying Thematic Unit for Grades 5-8 | SEL Humanities

Description:
This 18-day multimedia unit on anti-bullying for grades 5-8 engages students with a range of media—films, political cartoons, short stories, and songs—to understand the impact of bullying in schools and society. Includes two Socratic seminars, a STAAR-aligned extended essay, and a creative capstone project. Ideal for SEL-focused classrooms and humanities teachers.

4. 19-Day Social Identity Unit | Low Prep | Grades 6-8 | Texts, Videos, and Project

Description:
Help students explore their own social identity and the factors that shape it in this 19-day unit for grades 6-8. The unit includes videos, readings, and group projects focused on themes like identity, community, and belonging. A low-prep, high-impact resource that encourages self-reflection and empathy through engaging multimedia activities and a culminating project.

5. 20-Day Social Media Mental Health Unit Grades 7+ | Project, Essay, Assessments

Description:
Explore the intersection of social media and mental health in this 20-day unit for grades 7+. Students will examine the effects of social media on well-being through informational texts, videos, and podcasts. Includes a STAAR-aligned essay, Socratic seminar, and multimedia project, making it an essential resource for teaching critical thinking and digital literacy.

6. 7-Day World Religions Research & Presentation Unit: Interdisciplinary Grades 6-8

Description:
This 7-day research and presentation unit allows students to explore major world religions through research-based learning. Perfect for grades 6-8, students will develop presentations on various religions, fostering understanding and global awareness. Includes guided research templates, presentation rubrics, and cross-curricular connections.

7. Human Rights 5-Day Research and Writing Unit | Middle School Social Essay Project

Description:
Introduce your middle school students to the concept of human rights in this 5-day research and writing unit. Students will engage with informational texts to explore human rights issues globally and locally, culminating in a social justice essay project. This unit is ideal for quick yet impactful lessons that combine research, writing, and advocacy.

Dive into the inspiring life and mission of Saint John Bosco with this comprehensive educational resource bundle! Perfect for grades 4-12, these materials offer engaging ways for students to learn about the beloved saint who dedicated his life to the education and care of young people.

What's Included:
1. Reading Comprehension Passage & Questions: Easy Lesson!

• • Engaging 1-Page Passage: Discover the mission of Saint John Bosco with leveled reading passages tailored for upper elementary, middle school, and high school students.
  • 10 Comprehension Questions: Challenge students with thoughtfully designed questions that promote understanding and critical thinking, from recalling details to making personal connections.
  • Discussion Questions: Foster class engagement with discussion prompts at varying complexity levels, encouraging deeper reflection and dialogue.
  • Creative Learning Activities: Students can create a mini-poster about Don Bosco, enhancing their learning experience and retention.
  • Reproducible Materials: Ideal for teachers and parents, this downloadable resource allows for easy reproduction to fit diverse teaching styles.

2. Movie Worksheet Catholic Lesson on Saint John Bosco: Mission to Love

• • 4-Page Movie Lesson Plan: Guide students through the film "Mission to Love," highlighting the key aspects of Saint John Bosco's life and work with youth.
  • Essential Vocabulary Lists: Help students familiarize themselves with important terms and concepts, making faith-based themes accessible.
  • Character Guides: Support students in remembering historical figures related to Saint John Bosco and their significance in Catholic history.
  • Engagement Activities: Structured worksheets encourage active listening, reflection, and critical thinking, ensuring students stay engaged even on quiet movie days.

3. Saint John Bosco Readers Theater Skit

• • Fun and Interactive Script: This Readers Theater skit presents stories from Saint John Bosco’s life in a fun, engaging format that allows students to explore the saint's legacy creatively.
  • Versatile Use: Perfect for classroom performances or informal in-class activities, the skit promotes collaboration and allows students to express themselves through acting.
  • Additional Resources: Comes with a coloring page and a printable worksheet for reflection and assessment after the performance.

Why Choose This Bundle?

• Comprehensive Learning Experience: These resources work together to provide a multifaceted understanding of Saint John Bosco's life, mission, and teachings.
• Grade-Appropriate and Accessible: Tailored for various grade levels, ensuring all students can engage with the content effectively.
• Promotes Critical Thinking and Creativity: Each resource encourages students to think critically, collaborate with peers, and express their learning in innovative ways.

Equip your classroom with this engaging and educational bundle to inspire your students with the life and legacy of Saint John Bosco!

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 2
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 4
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 3
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 8
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 5
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series.

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for episode 7
• This handout contains:
• One do now question, three discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• This handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

Check out every episode bundled 1-8: Disney's The Crossover Series Text Companion Handouts Episodes 1-8 BUNDLE (TeachShare.com)

Students are eager to engage in conversation and learning around their identities! This engaging social identity unit explores the 8 Big Social Identities—gender, race, age, religion, orientation, ability, ethnicity, and class—through a blend of activities, texts, videos, music, and projects. Perfect for middle and early high school students, this unit is low prep for teachers, offering print-and-go materials that ensure a seamless teaching experience.

What’s Included:

• 19-Day Unit of 60-Minute Lessons: Each day is planned with detailed agendas and objectives.
• Engaging Slides: Visually appealing and informative slides for each lesson to enhance learning and retention.
• Texts, Videos, Movies, and Music: A variety of multimedia resources to engage students and deepen their understanding.
• Interactive Activities and Projects: Hands-on learning through discourse, writing, reading, annotating, research, data collection, data analysis, presentation building, and peer feedback.

Daily Activities Overview:

Day 1: Understanding Social Identity

• Activities: Do Now prompt, "Cross the Line" activity, discussion, reflection writing.

Day 2: The Big 8 Social Identities

• Activities: Do Now prompt, fill in the Social Wheel, group discussion, reflection writing.

Day 3: Power, Privilege, and Marginalization

• Activities: Do Now prompt, discussion on power and privilege, activity on social identity axis, Turn & Talk, reflection writing.

Day 4: Cultural Heritage and Identity

• Activities: Do Now prompt, whole group reading ("Fish Cheeks" by Amy Tan), independent evidence mining, closing discussion.

Day 5: Family Traditions and Social Identity

• Activities: Do Now prompt, whole group reading ("Taco Head"), independent evidence mining, closing discussion.

Day 6: Seminar Preparation

• Activities: Do Now prompt, review evidence mined from readings, seminar setup, discuss seminar norms.

Day 7: Media Representation and Identity

• Activities: Do Now prompt, watch video and read lyrics, independent evidence mining, group discussion.

Day 8: Cultural Pride and Daily Life

• Activities: Do Now prompt, watch video and read lyrics, independent evidence mining, group discussion.

Day 9: Traditional Music and Identity

• Activities: Do Now prompt, review evidence mined from activities, student-led seminar, reflection.

Day 10: Film Connection - "Wonder"

• Activities: Do Now prompt, introduce film and its connection to social identity, film viewing (Part 1), discussion.

Day 11: Continuation of "Wonder"

• Activities: Do Now prompt, preview questions, film viewing (Part 2), discussion.

Day 12: Conclusion of "Wonder"

• Activities: Do Now prompt, preview questions, film viewing (Part 3), discussion.

Day 13: Seminar on "Wonder"

• Activities: Do Now prompt, seminar setup, student-led seminar, reflection.

Day 14: Personal Narrative Writing

• Activities: Do Now prompt, read example narratives, brainstorm, partner sharing, begin writing introduction and body paragraph.

Day 15: Continue Personal Narrative Writing

• Activities: Do Now prompt, review narrative structure, continue writing narrative essay.

Day 16: Peer Feedback on Narratives

• Activities: Do Now prompt, peer feedback, revise essays based on feedback.

Day 17: Identity Mask Project

• Activities: Do Now prompt, introduce identity mask project, sketch ideas, gather materials.

Day 18: Continue Identity Mask Project

• Activities: Do Now prompt, continue crafting masks, wrap up.

Day 19: Finalize Identity Mask Project

• Activities: Do Now prompt, finish crafting and decorating masks, present masks and share reflections.

Key Features:

• Low Prep for Teachers: Print-and-go materials make it easy to implement the unit with minimal preparation.
• Engaging Multimedia Resources: Texts, videos, movies, and music provide diverse perspectives and deepen understanding.
• Explores the 8 Big Social Identities: Gender, race, age, religion, orientation, ability, ethnicity, and class.
• Interactive and Reflective Activities: Encourages critical thinking, self-reflection, and peer collaboration.

Bring social identity to life in your classroom with this dynamic and interactive unit. Equip your students with the knowledge and skills to understand and appreciate the diverse identities that shape our world. Purchase now and make a meaningful impact on your students' understanding of social identity!

If your students loved reading Kwame Alexander's The Crossover, they need to see the new Disney+ series! As teachers, we want our students to be engaged, even when they are watching a film. With this resource, students will be challenged to think critically about the text and film in a variety of ways including comparing and contrasting, evaluating director decisions, and tracking character development across the series. Check out the preview for one handout from the bundle!

This resource includes:

• A double-sided handout for each episode 1-8
• Each handout contains:
• Do now question, discourse questions, compare and contrast section, and two rigorous writing tasks in DOK 3 or 4 and Bloom's Taxonomy Evaluate/Analyze categories.
• Each handout contains a teacher-facing answer key with answers students may write about.

The Crossover Summary: Kwame Alexander's text The Crossover is a coming-of-age story written in verse about 7th graders Josh and Jordan Bell as they navigate life, family, friendship, health, and most importantly basketball! The book became a graphic novel and later an 8 episode series streaming on Disney plus!