On The Way To School - Documentary Companion Notes - Classroom Activity

Included are 3 versions of specially designed notes you could use for your classroom to accompany the fantastic documentary directed by Pascal Plisson -
"On The Way To School"

The film features 4 young school children ages 11-13 with uniquely long, challenging, and dangerous travels to school. The documentary is a great way to either start the year, rejuvinate student motivation, boost the value of education, and connect students with different cultures. I have shared this film for several years and it has not lost any amount of charm on me or on each group of students who enter my classroom.

The notes set up some basic information and allow students to gather interesting facts throughout their viewing. In a single document you will find all versions I designed:

1. GenEd Printable Notes, the spaces are relatively large, pages can be printed back-to-back, and students are able to take notes however they wish.
2. Notes for Digital Use which could be separated into a Google Doc, for example, and then shared with students who may wish to type during the film.
3. A 3rd copy was created as a Modified SPED copy with circle or highlight notes where facts are included for each of the children in the film, and large bolded portions ask students to complete the fact as they learn the information in the film. The information should be relatively easy to gather as it is mostly visual and relies less on the ability to follow subtitles or voices. This can also work well for younger children.

Common Sense Media suggests the film for ages 10+, and parents suggest the film for ages 6+. The notes had been designed for use with students ranging in reading abilities from K-8. The film can be purchased online in DVD format, but can be rented or purchased for streaming (ex: Amazon Prime Video offers rental for $2.99 and purchase for $4.99).

- The film duration is 1 hour and 17 minutes.

- The Amazon streaming version, for example, only has the original audio and the built in subtitles (this is my preference as it has the children's native languages). I recommend having subtitles read aloud for students as they go quickly. If you have older students who are quick readers, possibly theatrical, this could be very fun for students to be voiceover actors / actresses!
- The official film website can be found here: https://www.windsfilms.com/en/films/on-the-way-to-school/

- A wonderful free classroom resource from Discovery Film Festival can be found here: http://www.discoveryfilmfestival.org.uk/resources/item/on-the-way-to-school-teachers-resource-pack

- This activity can certainly work well as sub plans for several days and emergency plans, though it is a great experience with your students if you have the chance!

Thanks so much for considering this product and please let me know if you have questions. I appreciate reviews and feedback! Have a wonderful school year!