Why use filmmaking to improve literacy?
Throughout this course we have looked at short narrative-based films as a tool for analytical and critical analysis. In this section of the course we will look at how we …
Course: Teaching Literacy Through Film
Predictive writing – the great reveal
You’ll be amazed by the excitement that predictive writing will cause amongst students. They will talk about the ending at lunchtime and will badger their teacher to reveal the ending …
Predictive writing – the set up
In our final activity for Week 3 we will focus on using film as stimulus for predictive writing. Predictive writing is one of the easiest and most fulfilling activities you …
Create your own poem
Now it’s your chance to try your hand at creating a poetic masterpiece. In this instance the stimulus will be the Lumière brothers’ film from Week 1 – Snowball Fight. …
Using short film as a poetry stimulus
Teachers working to improve literacy will know that creating poetry can be challenging for young people who may struggle with narrative structure. A blank page may seem an unassailable mountain …
Developing writing through camera shots
We can extend creative writing effectively by linking each shot to a particular activity when writing. Linking camera shots and positions to a series of stills can provide a great …
Sequencing
Without watching any of the film, download and print the Nightshift film sequencing template and Shot List template from the Downloads area below. Cut out the seven individual stills and …
Shots in Sequence – sequencing skills
Now that we’re familiar with camera shots, positions and movement, we’re going to use some frames from the short film Nightshift (2004) to look at how the sequence in which …
Introduction to camera movement
Camera movement is one of the most powerful aspects of camera. It can be used to reveal information to the audience, pan across vast vistas or move closer to a …
Camera positioning activity – Dingi
Working from the information in the previous step, watch this short film and see how many of the different camera positions you can recognise. Again, this is a great way …
Introduction to camera positioning
Another facet of camera work that can have a big impact on our interpretation of a shot is the position of the camera. Imagine, for example, a silhouetted figure framed …
Introduction to camera shots
Over the next six steps, we will look at camera shots, camera positioning and camera movement, their impact on the viewer, as well as how camera can be used to …
Writing with Sound
Once you’ve created your Force of Nature story, you can develop your sound ideas further by creating a soundtrack either live with pupils or by recording sound into your computer. …
Writing from sound
After creating your sound effects, write down as many keywords as you can, and use these to generate sentences. Use the words and images as inspiration to create a narrative …
Video clip – The mystery film
Having listened to the sound, here is the clip with the accompanying visuals. Was there anything in the clip that puzzled you? Was this clip like anything you have seen …