Theme: Try it Again Film: Pawn Sacrifice (PG-13) 2:59 During the Cold War chess grandmaster Bobbie Fischer takes on Boris Spassky, the Soviet world champion. Though Fischer wants a normal match against his rival the United states wants it to be seen as the Cold War played out on the chess board. All of this isn't helping the fact that Fischer is constantly dealing with paranoia. This is the world of chess like you've never seen it before.
This 2014 movie by Gail Katz Productions & MICA Entertainment is produced by Edward Zwick, written by Steven Knight & Stephen Rivele. It stars Tobey Maguire, Liev Schrieber, and Peter Sarsgaard.
Teaser Question: What happens when you lose?
Going Deeper: How do you try to teach someone determination?
“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” ― Roy Bennett
“Some of the most beautiful things we have in life comes from our mistakes.” ― Surgeo Bell
Theme: Encourage the Heart Film: Facing the Giants (PG) 4:00
A losing coach with an underdog football team faces their giants of fear and failure on and off the field to surprising results.
This 2006 film by Caramel Entertainment is directed by Alex Kendrick and is written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. It stars Alex Kendrick, Shannen Fields, Jason McCleod.
Teaser Question: Who encourages your heart?
Going Deeper: What keeps you going when you think you can't do anymore?
“The possibility of the dream gives strength.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita
“Never stop dreaming, never stop believing, never give up, never stop trying, and never stop learning.” ― Roy Bennett
Theme: Your Team Will Back You Up Film: For the Love of the Game (PG-13) 2:22
A ball player who is forced to analyze his life and how his career as a player, and his life without her will change, thus altering his priorities between his career winding to a close, choosing what his path will be, the love of baseball or the love of his life? This 1999 film by Universal and Beacon Pictures is directed by Michael Shaara and Dana Stevens and directed by Sam Raimi. It stars Kevin Costner, Kelly Preston, and John C. Reilly.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships." --Michael Jordan
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." --Helen Keller
Theme: When You Think All is Lost Film: Despicable Me (PG) 2:29
When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is profoundly changing him for the better.
This 2010 film from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment is written by Cinco Paul, and Ken Dario. It stars Steve Carrell, Jason Segel, and Russell Brand.
Teaser Question: How can find strength when you think there is nothing else you can do?
Going Deeper: When have you been close to giving up? Did you find a way to change your mind?
"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." --Henry Ford
"Unity is strength. . . when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." --Mattie Stepanek
Keeping a Journal: As an in-class activity, ask your students to write four entries in their journal under the heading of "Perseverance" answering the following statement: 1. Of all the examples of knowing yourself demonstrated in the clips, which was your favorite? Why? 2.. Write about a time when you accomplished something that you didn’t think you could. What did you learn from the experience? 3. Many times we doubt ourselves and don’t believe in ourselves. Why do you think this is so? What can you do to believe in yourself? 4. Write about one of your long-term goals in life. What is the goal and what are you doing each day to make sure you accomplish that goal?
Activity 1: The Candy or Cookie Game Performance Objective: To consider the things we need to do in order to reach our goals in life.
Materials: 1 piece of candy or 1 cookie for each student
Teacher Instructions: Give the child a cookie or a piece of candy and tell them to put it on their forehead. In order to eat the cookie or candy they have to get it in their mouth from their forehead without touching the cookie or candy. If the cookie or candy falls on the floor, they have to try again. Encourage the child to keep trying until they eat the cookie or candy!
Activity 2: Determination Performance Objective: To demonstrate to students that they must be determined to reach their goal while still protecting their heart. Materials: -Link to the Google Play app: Determination https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bluecore.Determination&hl=en
Teacher Instructions: Provide students with the link to the Google Play app and allow students to download it and play. The game uses a heart icon that students have to manipulate to protect their heart.
Activity 3: Online Sudoku Performance Objective: Students will work to complete a puzzle without giving up
Materials: -Link to online Sudoku: Puzzle http://www.sudokuscore.com/
Teacher Instructions: Provide students with the link to the Sudoku puzzle and explain how the puzzle works. Allow them to play, and struggle before helping them to solve the puzzle. Give them minimal help when they are struggling. Allow them to work for the solution.