A Guide to the Guide

The Big Screens, Little Folks Study Guide is intended to help K–5 teachers:

☛ Integrate film studies and a trip to the Wisconsin Film Festival in their curriculum

☛ Prepare students for a trip to the cinema

☛ Introduce teachers and students to the art of filmmaking and production

Part One provides information about how Film and Media Studies can enhance your curriculum and meet Common Core Standards (CCS). The Guide offers filmmaking activities and resources that you can modify to fit your grade level and schedule. In addition to the first piece in this Guide, “Visual Literacy and Common Core Standards,” the following article makes an excellent argument for including film studies in the curriculum: “A Case for Filmmaking in the Classroom” via The Current. Students understand an art form best when they have the opportunity to create a piece of art. The filmmaking activities in this guide create handson learning opportunities that will contribute to students’ visual literacy. The focus should be on the process, rather than a polished product. The students will understand the challenges and the problems to be solved, and will appreciate the way in which media artists tackle and solve those problems when they have had to wrestle with those challenges themselves. Don’t be afraid to jump into an art form that you have never tried before. There is no right or wrong answer. And there is little to be learned when you stay in your comfort zone! Many of the articles provide websites with more information or activities. Please use these resources to expand your exploration or find additional activities appropriate for your grade or needs. Part Two will arrive closer to the Festival and provides information about the specific films that your class will see, and some activities inspired by those films. This section includes some links to trailers so you or your class can preview the films. Again, please use your judgment about whether or not this will help your class prepare for their field trip. Many students attend with little knowledge of the films they will see and have a wonderful experience.