Film Guide- Booksmart (2019)

Learning English with Film

High school students Amy and Molly think the only things that matter are working hard, getting good grades and looking out for each other. But suddenly, just before graduation, they realise that many of the kids they thought were only interested in partying were also being smart and dedicated to their studies. Frustrated at the thought of missing out they decide to dress up for one big party before graduation.

Booksmart is a “smart”coming of age movie that sets itself apart in the genre by having wholly formed characters at its centre. Avoiding the usual trope these kids aren’t stereotypes. They are just as messy and unpredictable as teenagers the world over trying to navigate the well worn path to adulthood. The movie provides a wealth of stimulus for conversations around friendship, growing up, school, sexuality, embarrassing parents and making a leap into the great unknown

One of the key reasons for using movies in ESL is to expose learners to comprehensive, authentic language on a regular basis. This is particularly important in countries where English language films and programmes have been dubbed with a soundtrack that is different from the original. But we also want to provide students with an opportunity for using English. The following structure is purposely designed to ensure that students are actively engaged in all the aspects of language acquisition

Preview: This session is primarily concerned with conversation. Students take part in a number of paired discussions (on themes related to the movie) each lasting approx fifteen minutes. The aim is to ensure that every participant speaks with at least three other members during an entire ninety minute session

Homestudy: Each ESL film guide offers the possibility of extensive reading and listening, incidental and intentional vocabulary learning, and provides helpful background information . Students receive the material six days in advance ensuring they have ample time to complete all the tasks

Movie Night: Here students are provided with a forum for extensive listening, reading (subtitles) and discussion

Details below

Previewing: Classroom Discussions (90 mins) Student Handouts and Teacher’s Notes below
Home Study: Student’s Film Guide (2-3 hours)
Movie Night: (2-3 hours)

PREVIEWING

Classroom Discussions (90 mins)

Student Handouts

Booksmart Handouts

name movies (5-7 mins)
match text with posters (10-15 mins)
match posters with movie title (5-7 mins)
talk about the six movies (10-15 mins)
write/discuss Booksmart poster (5-7 mins)
read plot plus comprehension questions (5-7 mins)
pair work discussion questions (10-15 mins)
pair work discussion questions (10-15 mins)

Teacher’s Notes

Booksmart-Teacher’s Notes/Answers

name the movie (Handout 1)
read text (Handout 2)
match poster with movie (Handout 3)
talk about movies
show Poster (Booksmart)
read Plot (Handout 4)
discussion Questions (Handout 5 & 6)

Home Study

(2-3 hours)

ESL Film Guide Booksmart

Instructions

download Booksmart film guide (get in touch below for PDF file)
complete the gap-fill exercises on page 22 & 23
complete the idiom/phrasal verb exercises on page 24 &25
read the dialogue page 4-21
listen to interviews (weblinks) page 29 and answer the questions
compare answers next time in class
consider two questions to ask your partner after watching the movie

MOVIE NIGHT

2-3 Hours

Check Homework (10-15 mins)

check gap-fill exercise
check idiom/phrasal verb exercise
check listening exercise
discuss dialogue

Watch Movie (90-130 mins)

English subtitles
English language
mobile phones off
completely darkened room

Discuss Movie (20-30 mins)

Q1: in pairs (10-15 mins)
Q2: change pairs (10-15 mins)
Feedback entire group (5-10mins)

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