Video library for ELA Teachers (Grade 9 - 12)
The Art of Metaphor is a powerful educational tool. The narrator explains what a metaphor is and why it is a work of art.The visuals that complement the narration are appealing, if not magical. This video could be used as a "hook" or "lesson starter". Students will not only be able to define what a metaphor is, after viewing this, they will be inspired to write them! TED-Ed lesson, here.
The Case Against 'Good' and 'Bad' is a wonderfully creative video that encourages writers to carefully select their words. It argues that the words 'good' and 'bad' should be jailed, or locked up and forgotten! This could be used as part of mini lesson or tutorial about the importance of stylistic choices (especially word choice) in writing. Students could build their own case for words that should be jailed as well. This could be done in real time or via a student made video: just like this one. TedEd lesson, here.
Insults by Shakespeare explores the power of words, but in the form of insults. Insults are more than just put downs; Shakespeare uses them to: establish mood and atmosphere; clarify relationships; instill humour and/or other emotions; develop character and create dramatic tension! Who knew?! This could be used at that start of a unit or a mini lesson on the power of words. Don't forget to practice your Shakespearean insults. Let this kit help guide your word play!
Sarah Kay does more than perform her poems "If I should have a daughter..." and "Hiroshima" in this Ted Talk. She explains where her love of the spoken word comes from and how she gets students to write even when they think they can't! The Miss Charlotte example is amusing and inspirational. Writing begins with lists ,,, "Three things I know to be true ..." Bring Sarah into your classroom, so she can help your students write about what THEY know to be true!
Poetry Everywhere brings you "Dust" by Dorianne Laux. “Dust” examines a fleeting moment of connection that is swept aside, and mostly lost in the busy activity of an average day. This simple yet powerful poem makes an excellent writing prompt. I am adding this to my Thought Book repertoire! Teachers' Domain has more learning activities for the poem, here.
P.S. This could also be paired to another text with a different take on the same theme/idea!
P.S. This could also be paired to another text with a different take on the same theme/idea!
Coyote catches Road Runner! What?! Say it ain't so ... In this playful clip the Looney Tunes creators challenge the audience by asking them "Now what?" In this episode Coyote catches Road Runner but the audience decides what happens next. What a wonderful writing activity this would be ... Cause and effect, problem solving, creative thinking--at it's best. I can't wait to read my students' responses!
FYI: Two different video options are provided here. This library was created in 2012 which means some of the videos have been updated or removed. For example, the video posted above doesn't always load. The one posted below is included as a Plan B in case the one posted above is AWOL.
ELA Figurative Language Tutorial: The narrator discusses six common forms of figurative language and uses movie clips to underscore her points. Do you have a student or two who can't grasp the most important figurative language concepts in class, but you lack the time to review the terms again ... Let your students explore this clip on their own--just give them the link! If you have time. divvy up the concepts and have the students teach each other their meanings in a creative way! Imagination + flip camera + editing program = unleashing your students' true learning potential.
"Don't Fear the Essay" is sung to the tune of "Don't Fear the Reaper" in this clip. A clever group of teachers came up with the "new" lyrics. You can't help but smile when you listen to the words! Show this before your students write their first essay. ELA10-2, 20-2 or 30-2 classes would enjoy this parody emmensely. If you can find the actual SNL clip, use it too (but in a different way ...) It's a classic! FYI: The original video no longer works on TeacherTube. This version is live and the sound quality is poor.
"The Beauty of a Windy Day" is chock-full of powerful imagery.This video could be a springboard or starting point for descriptive writing exercise. eg. 1.) a piece about a windy day, 2.) as the location for a story or poem or 3) an exciting piece of creative writing (a poem where the wind is a character). It makes an excellent writing prompt as well. Teaching Videos has more delightful examples, here.
How to Storyboard: this clever and amusing video happily explains what a storyboard is and how you go about completing one. It also includes key "camera" shots as well. Because this is a video tutorial, students can watch it more than once to grasp everything, including the different film shots! This is a time saver. If you want your students to create thoughtful video presentations but you don't have the time you'd like to go over the concepts ... look no more ... this is it.
The Adventures of Paper Boy ... I know I have 10 clips already but I want to add this here so I can find it when I need it. Sometimes I just want to show a clip because it fills me with wonder, and I think it might do the same for my students. Not everything has to have a lesson ... sometimes you just want to share something joyful ... It could be a writing prompt, I guess. Fight the urge. Simply en"joy"!
Human Skateboard -- is the most amazing stop motion film! Sometimes you just feel the need ... the need ... to share the "wonder". If you would like to see more films by PES ... click, here. (P.S. Watch your students' faces as they view the film; it's a real treat.)
Video Playlists (2015)
YouTube encourages its users to create their own video playlists or video channels. This means that teacher generated playlists can be easily created and shared with students. Students could also create their own playlists to reflect their own understanding or learning. The links or embedded videos provided below share playlist exemplars and a YouTube playlist tutorial.
Exemplars
Barker's ELA Playlists (various)
Wilson's ELA Playlists (writing)
How to Make a Playlist on YouTube Tutorial
Exemplars
Barker's ELA Playlists (various)
Wilson's ELA Playlists (writing)
How to Make a Playlist on YouTube Tutorial