Part of Lesson Plan: The Trailer Park

Activity Overview / Details

Ask students: What comes to mind when you here the words "trailer park?" 

Have students do a " quick write" on these simple words "trailer park. " Ask students to be as descriptive as possible in their quick write.  Also have them include as many details as possible to create a visual image of their idea of a "trailer park" and what it might look like. Give students about 10-15 minutes to write this short descriptive idea.

Next, ask for a couple of volunteers to read their ideas out loud. There is no right or wrong statement here it is just their own thoughts and descriptive words of a "trailer park." Usually kids will paint a picture that might be on the bleak or sad side, but not always.

Ask students: What did the desciptive writings entaile and what kinds of details and characteristics are present in their descriptions? Are items like mood or tone present? Are there characters present in the descriptions? Do they provide descriptions that demonstrate a sense of happiness or are they more bleak? Did the short description persuade your own thoughts of what a trailer park might look like?

Wrap up the discussion and surprise your students with a great visual that you will show your class. This will be a different type of trailer: a film trailer.

I will be showing a current Hollywood blockbuster type film trailer to get the students excited and take this lesson in a different direction. I do this lesson second semester, so you can usually find great trailers for upcoming Spring or Summer release movies.

This year I will show the film trailer for the upcoming Steven Spielberg and JJ Abrams film " Super 8." Tell students that after they view the short 2 1/2 minute trailer they will add to their  "quick write."

Have students write a short plot summary or overview of what they think the movie " Super 8" is about.

Ask:  What they think know about the films: setting, main characters, genre, and conflict? Then ask them to write down a prediction for what the resolution of the film might be.

Again, you may ask for a couple of student volunteers to read their plot summaries aloud to the class. Often this will lead to engaging discussion between you and your students.