So you just taught “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury and your class loved it. You’re wondering if there’s a short “The Veldt” movie that you could show–there is–but you don’t want to be “that teacher” who just shows movies all the time. Sounds like what you really need is a “Veldt” movie lesson plan.
It just so happens I have one.
“The Veldt” Movie Lesson Plan
It involves reading a high engagement short story, watching a 23-minute video interpretation of the aforementioned short story, and filling out a video/short story analysis.
As with any video you show in class, you should preview it. The only part I would consider even remotely objectionable is when papa Hadley is lying with mama Hadley in their bed and he busts a move. At just the moment you fear you may have to field a dozen phone calls this afternoon, nothing happens. I think I’m just being a paranoid prude. They are both fully clothed and nothing actually occurs other than a kiss. The scene begins at the 18:32 mark and lasts about 15 seconds.
(Here’s more lesson plans for “The Veldt” on this site.)
Here’s the handout. It’s self-explanatory. Here’s something to write on the board for your administrator. This is one of those lessons that’s easy to teach, entertaining for the kids, and actually involves practicing and mastering skills and standards.
Don’t forget to write one of these standards on the board.
- RL.9-10.7 – Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment.
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RL.11-12.7 – Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, drama, or poem (e.g., recorded or live production of a play or recorded novel or poetry), evaluating how each version interprets the source text. (Include at least one play by Shakespeare and one play by an American dramatist.) (Bradbury is technically an American dramatist).
Here’s the video. It’s part of the Ray Bradbury Theater, a cheesy program from the 1980s hosted by Bradbury himself. It’s like Twilight Zone with Bradbury’s short stories.