"SIGNS" - a short film

[CDNSushi]

If you have 12 minutes to spare, go watch this little film. It's gone viral so many of you may have already seen it, but I took the time to go to the director (Patrick Hughes's) website and watch it in great quality, widescreen format.

http://www.patrickhughes.com.au/shor...pes_signs.html

It's really a work of art! After watching it I felt like I just watched a 2-hour drama and not a short film. It's very emotion-evoking. Definitely one of my favourite films, despite its brevity. It'll make you feel good inside. It's a nice little pick-me-up if you're having a bad day.

For all you teachers out there, I devised a lesson plan using this film. I had my students view the film, then we discussed the different modes of communication shown in the video and their respective advantages and disadvantages. I then had them create their own "Signs" skits that they presented in front of the class. I encouraged them to use gestures, eye contact, emoticons and other visual cues to help convey their message. I was impressed at the effort the students put into this project and will definitely do it again with other classes.

[Standard]

Very cool video. The maker did a great job in being able to convey the story line, and in getting the viewer emotionally involved with the outcome. Well done!

[Jack Of All]

I loved it, thanks for sharing.

What age students do you work with? Did you do this activity with a specific class or subject? It sounds like a great lesson, you must be a creative teacher. I am a teacher also, but I think my kids would be too young (6-9yrs) and therefore get hung up on the romantic plot, and they wouldn't get the same response as an older audience. While I won't use it verbatim, your lesson was inspiring all the same.

[The Kilted Reverend]

I liked how the director pulled us into the story without ever having the 2 speak a word. Bravo to him.

Slainte,
Rev.

[CDNSushi]

What age students do you work with? Did you do this activity with a specific class or subject?

I work with Japanese students who are learning English (beginner level) at a junior college... (18-20 yrs old). So I did this as both an English lesson and as a general communication lesson.

Many Japanese students have very underdeveloped communication skills, and I was looking for a way for them to express themselves creatively in a non-threatening manner. Speaking (in general) let alone in English scares the living crap out of them so it was a real confidence builder.

[JolyStNicholas]

Bravo-Well done, thank you for sharing!

[Tartan Shortbread Jock]

I enjoyed that, spiffing good show.
Kind wishes.

[escherblacksmith]

That was really good . . .

[lethearen]

Cute

[thescot]

I really enjoyed that, Sushi. Thanks for a nice 12 minute break.

This could have been turned into a 2-hour drama with lots of dialog, plots twists, sub plots, etc., but it would have been just one more schmaltzy movie.

As it is, it really is a work of art.

Thanks for passing it on.