Descriptive Video: Using Media Technology to Enhance Writing

This lesson helps students improve their writing abilities and their attention to details while experiencing a new technology called Descriptive Video. Students watch the opening scene of the standard version of the Disney film The Lion King and write a description of it. They then watch the same opening scene with the descriptions and captions available online at the National Center for Accessible Media. They will write another descriptive summary on this scene. Students share their two writing samples aloud and compare their pre- and post-audio descriptions.

Weblink address (URL): 
Descriptive Video: Using Media Technology to Enhance Writing

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • Use descriptive language, including content vocabulary, to write a retelling of a segment of a movie scene.
  • Use a technology called Descriptive Video to enhance their writing skills.
  • Employ and practice a variety of writing strategies.
  • Reflect on and analyze their writing by comparing their two writing samples and completing the self-assessment rubric.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 
  • Students can view various programs on PBS Kids and create their own descriptions for those portions of the shows that do not have dialogue. For example, students could visit DragonflyTV: African Penguins by Keshia and Ashley to download the film clip and write a description.
  • Public Broadcasting Stations (PBS) and commercial broadcasting stations offer described programming that is appropriate for students in grades 3 to 5. Students can watch programs such as Reading Rainbow and Arthur and compare the described and standard versions. A list of described programs can be found at the Media Access Group at WGBH. You can also consult local programming guides to find appropriate described programs.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • The Lion King movie (Walt Disney Feature Animation, 1994)
  • Computer with Internet access and LCD projector
  • Television
  • VCR or DVD player
  • Chart paper or overhead projector (optional)

References

Contributors: 
Jessie Beaumont-Schmid
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation