Teachers, it’s time to revive the goosebumps and embark on an adventure of human curiosity, morality, and imagination. Today, we are going to explore ways to engage your K-12 students in understanding and analyzing the iconic Frankenstein movie.
For the younger students in your class, focus on the visual and auditory aspects of the movie. Discuss the appearance of the Creature and how it may evoke feelings of fear along with empathy towards its loneliness and confusion. This can serve as a valuable lesson about not judging a book by its cover.
Incorporate art-related activities such as reimagining the Creature or designing their very own Franken-toys using recycled materials. Encourage students to think about what it means to bring their creations to life and how the story could have unfolded differently.
With middle-grade students, delve into the narrative and storytelling aspects of Frankenstein. Organize group discussions around key themes like ethics, responsibility, ambition, and prejudice. Students should be encouraged to express their thoughts and opinions as they analyze characters’ actions within these themes.
One engaging activity is to have students rewrite a scene from the movie from a different character’s perspective or imagine an alternate ending where different choices were made. These exercises foster critical thinking and open-mindedness while nurturing student creativity.
For high school students, broaden their analysis of Frankenstein by examining its historical and societal context. Introduce them to Romanticism, a literary movement that explores intense emotions and reactions against industrialization. Discuss Mary Shelley’s life, her ambitions as a writer at 18 years old, and her inspiration for this groundbreaking novel turned movie.
Hold debates on the ethical implications of scientific advancements and explore how these questions reflect contemporary concerns such as genetic engineering or artificial intelligence. Encourage students to relate Frankenstein’s themes back to current events or scenarios in their lives, highlighting the story’s timeless relevance.
To wrap up, reflect on students’ insights and how their understanding of Frankenstein evolved throughout these various activities. From art projects to textual analysis, these exercises will inspire creativity, critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for the enduring story of Frankenstein.
Incorporating the Frankenstein movie into your K-12 curriculum not only entertains students but also engages them in meaningful discourse on various topics. So, gather your students and immerse them in this timeless tale that has captivated audiences for generations.
