Making Movies: (BookLife Non-Fiction Readers)
BookLife readers Series
What’s inside...
This engaging book offers a comprehensive exploration of the movie-making world, covering the art, technology, and business aspects of creating films. It delves into each phase of the filmmaking process, from pre-production planning to post-production editing. In addition, the book is part of the Decodables by Jump! series, which provides young readers with colorful, photo-packed nonfiction content that follows a sequenced approach to phonics instruction, aiding reading development.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What steps do filmmakers take to create a movie?
Can you think of a story you would like to turn into a movie? What would it be about?
How do the roles of directors, actors, and camera operators differ? Which role would you want to try?
Why is editing an important part of making a movie?
How do you think making a movie can help people understand different perspectives or cultures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the movie-making process and why it appeals to them.
Discuss the importance of teamwork in making a movie, asking your child which team roles they might enjoy and why.
Suggest your child draw or write a short scene of a movie they imagine, then discuss what they've created, focusing on the storytelling aspects.
Watch a family-friendly movie together, then discuss the different elements they learned from the book, such as directing or editing, and how they were applied in the movie.
Pose hypothetical questions such as, 'If you were a director, how would you have ended that movie differently?' to encourage creative thinking and understanding of narrative construction.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book portrays the collaborative effort required in making movies, highlighting the roles of directors, actors, and crew members working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and valuing each other's contributions, skills that are essential in group projects at school and family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The process of storytelling and visual creativity in movie-making is emphasized.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own creative ideas and express themselves through various art forms like drawing, writing, or performing.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book details the various challenges faced during movie production and the innovative solutions applied.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to approach problems with a creative mindset and seek solutions, which is applicable in their daily challenges at home or school.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Dedication
Explanation: It showcases the dedication required to complete a film project from start to finish.
Real-World Application: Instills values of persistence and staying committed to a task, even when it becomes challenging. This can be mirrored in completing homework assignments or sticking with a new hobby.