Movie Segments for Warm-ups and Follow-ups

This blog contains a series of movie segments to be used to brainstorm, warm up, follow up, and activate schemata, preparing the students for the topic that will be discussed in class. Here you will find the segments, the lesson plans, and varied topics to foster conversation. You may use the activities for a full two-hour class or they can be used separately to brainstorm or wrap up the topic, focusing on conversation, vocabulary and listening comprehension.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

The Good Lie & Chloe and Theo: Adjusting to a New Culture - Culture Shock

Both films are a must. I love the acting and the cultural aspects shown in the movies. Don't miss them.

I. Work in pairs:

1. Have you ever traveled to another country? If so, talk about the cultural differences that you experimented there. If you have never been abroad, talk about a city you have seen in films and mention what cultural differences you managed to see.

2. Would you like to live in the following places to experiment the way those people live? Explain why.

- New York City

- Tokyo

- Rio de Janeiro

- Saudi Arabia

- A tribe of indians in Africa

- Russia

- Mexico

3. What are some of the difficulties you would face in those places in terms of culture?

4. What is a good definition for culture shock?

II. Read the definition below and say whether you agree/disagree with it and why.

Culture shock is a term used to describe the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within an entirely different cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. It grows out of the difficulties in assimilating the new culture, causing difficulty in knowing what is appropriate and what is not.

- See more at: http://www.hio.harvard.edu/adjusting-new-culture#sthash.wSgDEXpw.dpuf

III. Read the following tips:

Ways to Diminish Feelings of Culture Shock

https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/adjusting-new-culture

"Plunge" into your host culture and wrestle with the differences.

Keep an open mind; it is natural to have preconceived ideas and beliefs that come into question while abroad.

Athletic activities like team sports or taking walks may be helpful.

Get to know others at your host school or organization.

Do not isolate yourself.

Find a local person with whom you can discuss your frustrations and encounters.

Learn as much as you can about your host culture.

Maintain a support structure with others, particularly those going through the same experience. However, do not retreat into a clique" to avoid the discomfort of culture shock.

Keep a journal. Record your impressions of new experiences and the transformations that are occurring within you.

IV. Watch the segments below (if you prefer, you may watch the full version - video 3)and discuss the following items.

- What are the main characters' main cultural differences from Americans'? Talk about both THE GOOD LIFE and CHLOE AND THEO

- What happened in the segments?

- What would you suggest they do?

The Good Lie 1

The Good Lie - Part 2

The Good Lie - Full Version

Chloe and Theo

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - CHLOE AND THEO

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - THE GOOD LIE - FULL VERSION