Wing Clips

Recently I was teaching my seventh grade language arts students how to identify the theme of fiction texts.  I wanted them to be able to identify the theme of both print and non-print texts.  We started by identifying themes in well-known fairy tales, and then moved to themes of songs.  Some of the students seemed to understand the concept of identifying theme, but most students were still struggling with the topic.  So, I thought about what kind of text I wanted to use next.  I decided to move to something most students can relate to and get excited about using in the classroom…movie clips.  I was going to use YouTube for the clips, but I always worry about what kinds of “other” videos will show up on the sides, or what kinds of advertisements will pop up before the video actually starts.  After a little research, I found a wonderful website called Wing Clips (http://www.wingclips.com).   Here, I was able to find appropriate and relevant movie clips, and I did not have to worry about “other” videos on the sides or any advertisements.  I created a LiveBinder of the clips I wanted my students to use, and then I created a graphic organizer for the students to use as they watched the clips.  This activity was a success!  During the lesson students were engaged in watching the clips, and after I read their graphic organizers, I learned that they finally understood how to identify the theme of fiction texts.  

Here’s the link to the LiveBinder I created http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1276182    (the access key is “lamb”).   All the clips I used are in the blinder, along with the graphic organizer students were responsible for completing while they watched the clips.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Guest Blogger,

Kerri Lamb, NBCT

SAMS 7th Grade ELA Teacher