Welcome to my blog index page, where I showcase posts that teach writing, reading, and language arts skills using animated shorts. These films are highly motivational for students, and these high-interest films make learning fun and engaging.
My posts offer a range of teaching methods using animated shorts that can help students develop critical thinking and communication skills. You can find posts on plot structure, point of view, theme, inference, figurative language, and more. Each post includes a link to a free animated short, along with teaching ideas, handouts, and activities you can use in your classroom or home.
Whether you’re an educator looking for new teaching methods or a parent interested in fun and practical learning resources, I invite you to check out my posts below and see if this teaching method works for your students. I hope you and your students enjoy watching and learning from these animated shorts. Happy teaching!
Dec 29
This problem-and-solution lesson plan uses the animated short On the Same Page to help students explore how characters navigate a series of challenges and resolutions. In this problem-and-solution lesson plan, the newspaper becomes a whimsical city where each section, including Weather, Entertainment, Finance, and even Obituaries, becomes a setting filled with visual metaphors. Students analyze narrative structure, track conflicts, …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=2003
Dec 01
The animated short Broken: Rock, Scissors, Paper takes the classic game and reimagines it with three fantasy‑style characters in a lush, magical forest. What starts as a whimsical take quickly becomes a moving tale of courage, sacrifice, and unexpected friendship. In under five minutes, this wordless film opens the door to deep discussions about character …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=1614
Nov 20
I’m so excited to join the Sharing Our Blessings blog hop again this year! This annual event brings together upper elementary bloggers who love supporting teachers with meaningful, ready-to-use resources and spreading a little holiday cheer. What I’m Thankful For As I reflect on this season of gratitude, I’m especially thankful for: Teachers who bring …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=8022
Nov 17
Both Coin Operated (Nicholas Arioli) and One Small Step (Taiko Studios) feature children with dreams of space travel and the long paths they take to reach them, but their journeys are wildly different in tone, logic, and genre. One leans into whimsical fantasy, the other into emotional realism. If you’re looking to teach summary writing …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=1969
Oct 30
The animated short Crow: The Legend is an incredible storytelling tool for teaching upper elementary students about theme, character development, and plot structure. With a powerful message, stunning animation, and a strong cultural foundation, it provides many opportunities for skill-based learning—plus, students love it. This post includes a free handout pack with printable and digital …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=2459
Jun 07
Looking for a short film that sparks big discussions? One Small Step by Taiko Studios is a heartfelt animated short that tells the story of Luna, a young Chinese American girl chasing her dream of becoming an astronaut. With almost no dialogue, the film unfolds through expressive animation, emotional music, and carefully crafted scenes that draw …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=1954
Mar 03
If you’re looking for engaging activities to enhance your theme lessons, animated shorts are a fantastic way to teach this important reading skill. These short films are high-interest, visually engaging, and often convey powerful themes in just a few minutes. This post provides four animated shorts that can be used to teach the theme. Lesson …
Permanent link to this article: https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=5616
