April 1st – April 30th
Alcohol & Drug Awareness Month is a national public health awareness campaign sponsored by the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD).
Amadeus
(Humility; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Talent; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Subjects: Biography/Mozart; Music/Classical; World/Austria) [12+]
Anne B. Real
(Breaking Out; Coming of Age; Alcohol & Drug Abuse; Courage; Crime; Education; Families in Crisis; Surviving; Talent; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Subjects: U.S./1991 – present and New York) [12+]
Courage Under Fire
(Marriage, Redemption; Leadership; Suicide; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Courage in War; Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Subjects: U.S./1991 – Present) [12+]
Desert Bloom
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Child Abuse, Running Away, Coming of Age; Families in Crisis; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Subjects: U.S./1945 – 1991 & Nevada) [13+]
Fahrenheit 451
(Rebellion; Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Subjects: Science Fiction) [12+]
Gattaca
(Breaking Out; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Human Rights; Brothers; Friendship; Suicide; Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Fairness; Subjects: Science Fiction) [14+]
Gracie’s Choice
(Alcohol & Drug; Abuse; Families In Crisis; Mother/Daughter; Parenting; Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Caring; Subjects: Health; U.S./1991 – present) [10+]
Hoop Dreams
(Sportsmanship; Breaking Out; Talent; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility Fairness; Subjects: Sports/Basketball; U.S. 1991 – Present & Illinois) [10+]
Hoosiers
(Teamwork; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Male Role Model; Father/Son; Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Caring; Subjects: Sports/Basketball; U.S. 1945 – 1991 & Indiana) [11+]
The Insider
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Families in Crisis, Marriage, Crime, Courage; Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Citizenship Subjects: U.S./1991 – present) [13+]
Moulin Rouge
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Disabilities; Talent; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Subjects: Biography/Lautrec; Visual Arts; World/France) [13+]
Pay It Forward
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Mother/Son; Families in Crisis; Education; Disabilities; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Citizenship; Subjects: U.S./1991 – Present) [12+]
The Pursuit of Happyness
(Father/Son; Parenting; Surviving, Work/Career; add the following SEL topics when using TeachWithMovies.org’s student handout for this film entitled Episodes in the Life of Chris Gardner (What’s Not in the Movie): Alcohol & Drug Abuse; Breaking Out; Spousal Abuse; Child Abuse; Education; Male Role Model; Ambition; Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Subjects: U.S./1991 – present and Biography) [12+]
A Raisin in the Sun
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Marriage; Families in Crisis; Female Role Model; Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Fairness; Subjects: U.S./1945 – 1991, Diversity & Illinois; Drama/U.S.) [12+]
Requiem for a Dream
(2000) MPAA Rating R for intense depiction of drug addiction, graphic sexuality, strong language, and some violence; Director: Darren Aronofsky. This film shows the self-destruction of the major characters, young and old, through addiction to heroin, cocaine, and diet pills (speed). At the beginning of the story they have dreams, but by the end, they are lost due to their addictions. Watching this movie is a searing life experience that will leave vivid memories and perhaps nightmares for years. TWM recommends that this film is shown to those over the age of 16 who are at substantial risk of becoming addicted to a drug or who are already dealing with an addiction. No guide is necessary for this movie. Just put it on let them watch. For minors, teachers should obtain a release from their parents before showing the film.
Show Boat
(Marriage; Romantic Relationships; Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Gambling Addiction; Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Subjects: U.S./1865 – 1913 & Diversity; Cinema; Drama/Musicals; Dance/Performance) [11+]
Smoke Signals
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Father/Son; Grieving; Child Abuse; Ethical Emphasis: Caring (Forgiving); Subjects: U.S./1991 – present, Diversity (Native American) & Idaho) [12+]
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Education; Families in Crisis; Father/Daughter; Grieving; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Subjects: U.S./1913 – 1929, Diversity & New York;) [9+]
A Tale of Two Cities
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Rebellion; Redemption; Romantic Relationships; Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Subjects (Literature/England; World/France & England) [12+]
When a Man Loves a Woman
(Alcohol & Drug Abuse; Romantic Relationships; Marriage; Parenting; Father/daughter; Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Subjects: U.S./1991 – present) [13+]
Deaf History Month
March 13th – April 15th
National Deaf History Month is recognized and celebrated every year from March 13th to April 15th to recognize the accomplishments of people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Beethoven Lives Upstairs
(Biography; Music/Classical; World/Austria; SEL: Grieving; Disabilities; Friendship; Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [9 – 12]
Dear Frankie
(Health, Literature; SEL: Disabilities, Mother/Son; Moral-Ethical: Trustworthiness; Caring) [12+]
Goya: Awakened in a Dream
(Visual Arts; World/Spain & the Enlightenment; Biography; SEL: Father/Son; Friendship; Illness; Human Rights; Talent; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis Caring) [8 – 13]
Mr. Holland’s Opus
(Music/Classical; U.S. 1945 – 1991; SEL: Education; Male Role Model; Parenting; Father/Son; Mother/Son; Marriage; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Citizenship; Caring; Respect) [10+]
Travis: A Soldier’s Story
The Best of TWM
(Health (Resilience); U.S. 1991 – Current; World/Afghanistan; SEL: Courage in War; Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
National Autism Awareness Month
April 1st – April 30th
Throughout the month, groups focus on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support.
Charly
(Science Fiction; SEL: Disabilities; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Responsibility) [10+]
April 1st – April 30th
National Child Abuse Prevention Month, also known as Child Abuse Prevention Month in America, is an annual observance in the United States dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States since 1983.
Desert Bloom
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Child Abuse, Running Away, Coming of Age; Families in Crisis; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring; Subjects: U.S./1945 – 1991 & Nevada) [13+]
Good Will Hunting
(Child Abuse; Marriage; Romantic Relationships; Fighting; Friendship; Male Role Model; Talent; Breaking Out; Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Subjects: Medicine (Psychiatry); U.S./1991 – present & Massachusetts) [14+]
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
(Literature/U.S.; SEL: Child Abuse; Courage; GBLTQ; Friendship; Romantic Relationships; Mental Illness; Suicide; Ethical Emphasis: Caring) [14+]
Precious
(Child Abuse, Self-esteem, GBLTQ; Parenting, Taking Care of Yourself; Subjects: Health; ELA (for cross-curricular assignments); Psychology; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility, Caring) [15+; 121 minutes]
Spotlight
(Child Abuse; Subjects: U.S. 1945 – Current & the Press; Religions; Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility, Caring) [13+; 128 minutes]
Smoke Signals
(Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Father/Son; Grieving; Child Abuse; Ethical Emphasis: Caring (Forgiving); Subjects: U.S./1991 – present, Diversity (Native American) & Idaho) [12+]
The Pursuit of Happyness
(Father/Son; Parenting; Surviving, Work/Career; add the following SEL topics when using TeachWithMovies.org’s student handout for this film entitled Episodes in the Life of Chris Gardner (What’s Not in the Movie): Alcohol & Drug Abuse; Breaking Out; Spousal Abuse; Child Abuse; Education; Male Role Model; Ambition; Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Subjects: U.S./1991 – present and Biography) [12+]
Strauss: King of Three-Quarter Time
(Friendship; Child Abuse; Ethical Emphasis: Caring; Subjects: Biography; Music/Classical; World/Austria) [6-12]
Mathematics Education Month
April 1st – April 30th
In April, we join educators all over the world in celebrating how much math enriches our lives and our communities. The importance of math education stretches far beyond academic success and the earlier we teach students essential math skills, the more they’ll be prepared to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Contact
(Religions/Judeo-Christian; Science Fiction; Mathematics SEL: Grieving; Father/Daughter; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Caring) [12+]
Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Numeral Systems
Snippet Lesson Plan
From Powers of Ten or Cosmic Voyage (Math and Science & Technology) [12+: middle and high school levels; Film Clip: 9 minutes; Lesson: not applicable – clips and supplemental materials designed to supplement teachers’ existing lesson plans.]
Hidden Figures
(U.S. 1940 – 1991, Diversity, and Virginia; Mathematics; Science-Technology; Cinema; SEL: Courage; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [13+]
Newton: A Tale of Two Isaacs
(Biography; Science-Technology; World/England & Enlightenment; Mathematics; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Talent) [8-13]
Stand and Deliver
(U.S./1941 – 1996, Diversity & California; Mathematics; ELA; SEL: Male Role Model; Self-esteem; Education; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility; Citizenship) [12+; Literary devices analyzed: character, symbols, subplot, foils and irony]
Where Science Fails and Art Prevails: Turbulent Flow
Math; Science/Physics; Visual Arts, Snippet is 4 minutes, 38 seconds; the lesson should take no more than 20 minutes. [14 – 18]
National Poetry Month
April 1st – April 30th
Each year the month of April is set aside as National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate poets and their craft. Various events are held throughout the month by the Academy of American Poets and other poetry organizations.
Beautiful Dreamers
The Best of TWM
(Biography/Whitman; Literature/U.S.; World/Canada; Medicine; SEL: Male Role Model; Mental Illness; Breaking Out; Friendship; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [12+; useful for getting students to read and appreciate the poetry of Walt Whitman]
In Her Shoes
Snippet Lesson Plan
On the Analysis and Explication of Poetry [14+; snippet: 10 minutes; lesson: two class periods plus time to write a concluding essay]
The Ladykillers
Snippet Lesson Plan
Introducing the Poetry of Edgar Allan Poe Using “The Simpsons” (The Raven) and “The Ladykillers” (To Helen) [14+; snippets: 8 minutes; lesson: from one to three 45 – 55 minute classes, depending on the assignments given]
Looking For Richard
The Best of TWM
(Drama/England; World/England; SEL: Brothers; Ambition; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: General) [12+]
World Habitat Awareness Month
April 1st – April 30th
April is World Habitat Awareness Month. It celebrates the Earth’s diverse natural habitats but also reminds us of their fragile nature. Not only are species endangered, so too are many of the world’s habitats.
A Life on Our Planet
(The Environment; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [9+]
Born Free
(World/Africa; the Environment; SEL: Caring for Animals; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [10+]
Fly Away Home
The Best of TWM
(Health (Grieving); ELA: theme, characterization, backstory, allusion, complication; Science(Biology); the Environment; World/Canada; SEL: Grieving; Parenting; Father/Daughter; Caring for Animals; Teamwork; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Caring) [10+]
Gorillas in the Mist
The Best of TWM
(The Environment; Science-Technology; World/Africa; SEL: Caring for Animals; Courage; Human Rights; Romantic Relationships; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect; Citizenship) [13+]
Ice Age: The Meltdown
Talking and Playing for Growth
(The Environment; SEL: Friendship; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility (Taking Care of the Environment) [6 – 8]
The Lion King
(The Environment; Science/Technology; SEL: Grieving; Redemption; Friendship; Ambition, Running Away; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Responsibility) [8 – 11]
March of the Penguins
The Best of TWM
(Science; the Environment; World/Antarctica; SEL: Caring for Animals) [10+]
Never Cry Wolf
The Best of TWM
(Science-Technology, The Environment; U.S./1945 – 1991; Alaska; SEL: Caring for Animals; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [10+]
Planet Earth
Snippet Lesson Plan
The Arctic and Antarctica
(Earth Science) [10+; snippet: 40 minutes, 30 seconds; Lesson: One and one-half 45 – 55 minute class periods]
Planet Earth
Snippet Lesson Plan
Caves and Extremophiles
(Earth Science/Biology) [10+; snippet: 16 minutes, 15 seconds; lesson: 40 minutes]
Planet Earth
Snippet Lesson Plan
Deep Ocean Dwellers
(Earth Science/Biology) [10+; snippet: 26 minutes; Lesson: One 45 to 55 minute class period]
The Year the Earth Changed
(The Environment; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [8+]
Date Specific
April 22nd
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
A Life on Our Planet
(The Environment; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [9+]
The Year the Earth Changed
(The Environment; SEL: Surviving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [8+]
World Penguin Day
April 25th
This celebratory day coincides with the annual northern migration of Adelie penguins. This intrinsic migration pattern is conserved across generations. Native to Antarctica are six breeding species, Emperor, King, Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins. Most penguins are monogamous and have distinct calls, enabling them to locate their mates in large groups. Penguin species lay up to two eggs per mating season with the Emperor and King penguins laying only one egg. Alarmingly, of the 17 recognized living species, 11 have been listed as Vulnerable or Endangered.
Happy Feet
Talking and Playing for Growth
(SEL: Friendship; Courage; Self-Esteem; Disabilities; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility; Respect; Caring) [5 – 8]
March of the Penguins
The Best of TWM
(Science; the Environment; World/Antarctica; SEL: Caring for Animals) [10+]
Planet Earth
Snippet Lesson Plan
The Arctic and Antarctica
(Earth Science) [10+; snippet: 40 minutes, 30 seconds; Lesson: One and one-half 45 – 55 minute class periods]
National Dance Week
April 15th – April 24th
National Dance Week is an annual event in the United States sponsored by the United Dance Merchants of America to increase public awareness and appreciation of various forms of dance.
Billy Elliot
(Dance; World/England; SEL: Breaking Out, Families in Crisis, Father/Son, Courage, Grieving, Friendship, Parenting, Grandparents; GBLTQ, Education; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring, Responsibility, Respect; Trustworthiness) [12+]
Degas and the Dancer
(Visual Arts; World/France; Dance; SEL — Talent, Ambition, Mother/Daughter, Sisters; Ethical Emphasis — Respect; Responsibility; Caring) [8 – 13]
Dancemaker
(Biography/Taylor; Dance; SEL: Talent; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Mao’s Last Dancer
(Literature: Nonfiction; Literary Devices: allegory/parable; Biography; World/China; U.S.: 1945 – Present; Dance; SEL: Breaking Out; Human Rights; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
The Red Shoes
[Dance; Music/Classical; SEL: Talent; Work/Career; Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Citizenship) [12+]
Shall We Dance?
(Dance; World/Japan; SEL: Breaking Out; Marriage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [12+]
Multi-Media Supplement for Jonathan Edwards’ “SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD”
Snippet Lesson Plan
Using “Sinner Man” in Song and in Dance to Enliven the Study of the Sermon, Enhance its Meaning, Demonstrate the Metaphorical Nature of Artistic Expression, and Foster Appreciation for the Arts (U.S. 1629 – 1750; ELA — American Literature, Metaphor; Music; Dance) [15+; 3 minutes, played several times]
Strictly Ballroom
(Dance; World/Australia; SEL: Breaking Out; Talent; Families in Crisis; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect) [9+]
The Turing Point
(Dance; U.S./1945 – 1991; SEL: Marriage; Mother/Daughter; Friendship; Male Role Model; Talent; Work/Career; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
White Nights
(Dance; World/Cold War & Russia; U.S./Diversity; SEL: Breaking Out; Courage; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect) [13+]
Historical Birthdays
Émile Zola
April 2, 1840
Émile Édouard Charles Antoine Zola was a French novelist, journalist, playwright, the best-known practitioner of the literary school of naturalism, and an important contributor to the development of theatrical naturalism.
The Life of Emile Zola
(Biography; World/France; Literature/France; SEL: Justice; Talent; Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Fairness) [10+]
Leonardo da Vinci
April 15, 1452
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the High Renaissance who was active as a painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor and architect.
Leonardo: A Dream of Flight
(Biography; World/Italy & the Renaissance; Science-Technology; Aviation; SEL: Talent; Friendship; Mother/Son; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: General) [8 – 11]
Adolf Hitler
April 20, 1889
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician who was the dictator of Germany from 1933 to 1945. He rose to power as the leader of the Nazi Party, becoming Chancellor in 1933 and then assuming the title of Führer und Reichskanzler in 1934.
The Great Dictator
(Biography/Hitler; World/WWII) [10+]
William Shakespeare
April 26, 1564
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon”.
Hamlet
The Best of TWM
(Drama/England; SEL: Revenge, Fighting, Grieving; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Respect; Caring) [12+]
Looking For Richard
The Best of TWM
(Drama/England; World/England; SEL: Brothers; Ambition; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: General) [12+]
Much Ado About Nothing
(Drama/England; SEL: Romantic Relationships; Brothers; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Fairness) [10+]
Shakespeare in Love
Snippet Lesson Plan
Introduction to Romeo and Juliet Using a Clip from Shakespeare in Love (Drama; World/England) [12+]
Shakespeare Behind Bars
(Drama and U.S./The Law; SEL Redemption; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Responsibility) [14+]
Stage Beauty
Snippet Lesson Plan
A Demonstration of the Use of Acting Technique to Describe Character in Shakespearian and Other Plays [14+; snippet: 18 minutes; lesson: one and one-half class periods]
Oskar Schindler
April 28, 1908
Oskar Schindler was a German industrialist and a member of the Nazi Party who is credited with saving the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and ammunitions factories in occupied Poland and the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
Schindler’s List
The Best of TWM
(Biography; World/WWII; SEL: Courage; Rebellion; Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Trustworthiness; Respect; Caring) [15+]