Free Generic Movie Guide for Grades 2 to 5 (Works for Any Film) Graphic Organizer | Editable | PDF & Google Docs

A flexible, teacher-friendly generic movie guide for any film that turns movie day into real ELA and social studies learning. Includes printable PDF, editable DOCX, and a Google Doc link.

What's Included

• Two distinct versions: Fiction/Narrative and Real-Life/Documentary
• Before/During/After viewing organizers including KWL, Plot or Timeline, Director or Documentary notes, Fact vs. Fiction, Perspective and Purpose
• One-page Stand-Alone Exit Ticket for quick use
• Flexible pacing options for short, medium, or full-period lessons
• Formats: Printable PDF, editable DOCX, Google Doc link
• CCRA-aligned skills practice for Grades 2–5 and adaptable for some middle-school settings

Overview

This free, generic movie guide works with any film your class watches, including animated features, historical dramas, short films, news clips, and documentaries. It is designed for Grades 2–5 and can scale for some middle-school groups. Use it to keep routines tight, attention focused, and outcomes clear in print or digital formats.

Two Versions Included

Fiction and Narrative Films

• Story structure, character change, and theme
• Literary devices and director’s choices
• Review and creative response options

Real-Life, Historical, and Documentary Films

• Timeline builder and documentary techniques
• Historian skills and filmmaker’s purpose
• Interview notes, media literacy, and fact versus fiction checks

Flexible Timing Options

• Movie length plus fifteen minutes: run the Stand-Alone Exit Ticket
• Movie length plus thirty minutes: use Plot or Timeline during viewing with two or three brief pauses, then a quick Movie Review or Memorable Moments
• Movie length plus sixty minutes: run KWL before viewing; use Plot or Timeline and Director or Documentary techniques during viewing; after viewing, complete Theme or Lessons Learned and one creative response

Included Sections

Before Viewing

• Film Facts
• KWL chart

During Viewing

• Plot or Timeline tracker noting events, people involved, and why each moment matters
• Think Like a Director covering sound, color or style, symbols, shots, lighting, and pacing
• Documentary-only tools including Think Like a Historian, Interview Notes, and Fact versus Fiction

After Viewing

• Perspective and Purpose reflection
• Lessons Learned with evidence from the film
• Movie Review with rating and recommendation
• Creative Response menu featuring a letter or a mini museum exhibit

Who It Is For

ELA, History, and Social Studies teachers who want a ready-to-use viewing framework that builds evidence use, critical thinking, and media literacy. Ideal for purposeful movie day, sub-ready plans, short films, and hybrid or remote assignments with Google Classroom.

Formats

• Printable PDF
• Editable DOCX
• Shareable Google Doc link

Standards Alignment

Aligned to CCRA Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language anchors as appropriate. Students practice citing evidence, analyzing structure, evaluating creator choices, integrating media, composing arguments, revising narrative writing, and conducting historical inquiry.

FAQ

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• Can this work with short clips? Yes. Treat a clip as a mini film and use the Plot or Timeline plus the Exit Ticket.
• Does it work with documentaries? Yes. Use the Documentary version with historian skills, interview notes, and fact checks.
• Can I customize it? Yes. Edit the DOCX or Google Doc to adjust prompts and timing for your class.