Freedom writers

Before we watch the moving film the Freedom Writers together, work with the following tasks and remember that the movie is based on a true story (and a book):

1) In your study group (of four students):

Find out about: 

student a) Rodney King, 

student b) racial Riots in LA  

student c)  integration programs in schools

student d) war zones in the LA Ghetto areas

Need help?

Present your findings to the other group members before watching the film.

Also take a look at the following links: Wikipedia and Foundation

2) After you have seen the film, write a brief summary of the film. Discuss the theme(s) with a peer/partner. 

Answer at least 5 of the questions on the worksheet here.

Take turns and present the questions you have prepared in groups. Maybe the other group members/ the class can contribute with more knowledge on the topic.

3) Then the group discusses the questions below:

a) Why do you think they called themselves the Freedom Writers? Where and when does the story take place (background information is very important)? Who are the main characters and how do they change throughout the movie?

b) Explain why one or more of the film's important issues are 

 tolerance, respect, trust, overcoming adversity, family, inequality in the educational system and success.

c) Read in pairs:  The truth behind the film

4) We have worked with the film the Freedom Writers and focused on the following competence aims:

"vurdere og bruke ulike situasjoner, arbeidsmåter og læringsstrategier for å videreutvikle egne ferdigheter i engelsk"

"vurdere egen framgang i arbeidet med å lære engelsk"

"drøfte engelskspråklige filmer og andre kulturuttrykk fra forskjellige medier"

Answer the following questions which are to be presented in your studygroups:

1. Which working methods have you used to learn about the Freedom writers Diary, and also to improve your English skills?

2. What have you learnt about setting, plot, characters and important themes from watching, discussing and analyzing the film

5) Want to learn more and improve your listening skills? Watch this: Ted Talk: Erin Gruwell