Film Activity Packets
These lessons are adaptable for multiple grade levels and specific subject matter.
Note: all files are in PDF format.
Almos’ a Man (grades 6-12, language arts) file size: 365 KB
Characters and plot points from the Richard Wright short story are analyzed and comparisons are made between text from Wright’s short story and this film adaptation. Writing prompts and discussion questions are provided.
Barn Burning (grades 8-12, language arts) file size: 420 KB
Characters and plot points from the William Faulkner short story are analyzed and comparisons are made between text from Faulkner’s short story and this film adaptation. Writing prompts and discussion questions are provided.
Building the Dream: The History of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (grades 4-12, language arts, math, social studies) file size: 4,663 KB
Along with the documentary film Building the Dream, this activity packet explores one of the most complex public works completed in the United States through worksheets, timelines, political cartoons, maps, math, and political debate.
Elvis ’56 (grades 4-12, language arts, social studies) file size: 5,422 KB
This film activity packet includes film review materials, a comparison between Elvis’ childhood home in Tupelo and his Graceland mansion, a look at his musical influences, and writing exercises about “The King.”
Ghosts of Mississippi (grades 8-12, language arts, social studies) file size: 9,578 KB
This film activity packet introduces students to civil rights leader Medgar Evers and the events surrounding the third trial that finally convicted his murderer.
Murder in Mississippi (grades 8-12, language arts, social studies) file size: 17,163 KB
This film activity packet looks at the people, places, and events leading up to the murder of civil rights activists James Chaney, Mickey Schwerner, and Andrew Goodman. The activity packet includes numerous primary sources for students to analyze and better understand the context of the film.
My Dog Skip (grades 4-12, language arts, social studies) file size: 411 KB
Written by one of Mississippi’s best known authors, Willie Morris’ My Dog Skip revolves around the friendship between a boy and his dog as they experience life in 1940s Yazoo City. Packet activities will help students understand the elements of a story, draw comparisons between the film and excerpts from the novel, and practice their own writing skills.
Struggle for Vicksburg (grades 8-12, language arts, social studies, visual arts) file size: 2,452 KB
Using the film Struggle for Vicksburg, students will analyze the Civil War battle, read newspaper and diary excerpts written during the siege, and examine monuments erected in the Vicksburg National Military Park.
Two Soldiers (grades 4-12, language arts, social studies) file size: 730 KB
Using a film adaptation of William Faulkner’s short story Two Soldiers, students will gain an understanding of the Great Depression, characters, and plot points in this classic coming of age story.
With All Deliberate Speed (grades 8-12, language arts, social studies) file size: 1,932 KB
The documentary With All Deliberate Speed looks at the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education and this film packet provides worksheets, discussion questions, and primary source documents to analyze in relation to the film. Both national and state issues and reactions are considered.