Make-Your-Own-Film Resource

"It would be difficult to find a classroom project that better illustrates the range of skills currently termed '21st century literacies'...."  >More
  U.S. National Council of Teachers of English's "Council Chronicle"

“My students, racially, economically diverse, came together in a way that I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing in my 16 years of teaching." >More Shameem Rakha, Teacher

DVD & Lesson Plan Previews     Film Competition     Order Resource

The Make-Your-Own-Film Resource uniquely combines a range of core subject skills in a curriculum designed to promote social cohesion and help reduce bullying. Projects completed using the resource also qualify for an international film competition.

Building upon the success of Stories of Us in Australia we have established the program in the USA and are now offering this extensive new bullying prevention curriculum to Australian schools. The resource was made with American students by the Australian producer responsible for all the Stories of Us resources.

Designed for Years 6-12 , the resource provides step-by-step instructions for teachers and students in the Stories of Us method so they can write, and film selected scenes from, their own short films. The focus is on the inquiry process, researching the subject, and building realistic timelines to explore how bullying develops – how it begins, what happens to perpetuate the problem, the role of bystanders, the reality of students’ attempts to deal with the problem, and outcomes.

This US-Australian resource is composed of a DVD and an extensive Teacher's Guide with flexible lesson plan options, support information and all the necessary charts and documents for implementing this active learning curriculum. The project can be implemented in schools or after-school organisations by either English, Health, Arts and/or Technology staff. It is also an excellent interdisciplinary project.

Instruction in basic filmmaking is provided, however students are encouraged to keep this aspect as simple as possible and develop stories within the limitations of their class and school – working with the students in their class, drawing upon their existing abilities, and filming in areas acceptable to their school. The professional student film is presented as an example of what can be achieved by students with little or no previous experience with acting or filmmaking. Seen from this perspective, students watching the film are inspired and empowered by the potential to authentically communicate their own collective experience. Also included are behind-the-scenes footage of the development and production of the professional student film to illustrate the process.

Ideally this resource will be used in conjunction with the Bullying (Secondary) curriculum – in which case it is recommended that the Bullying (Secondary) curriculum be implemented the semester before using the Make-Your-Own-Film Resource. The Make-Your-Own films will be developed and produced under teacher supervision, and students will be dissuaded from revealing sensitive information.

Previews

DVD:  View video previews from the DVD

TEACHER'S GUIDE:  View examples from the Teacher's Guide

IMPLEMENTATION: Example timelines for implementing the curriculum

Film Competition

As a further encouragement to students, finished films produced using the criteria of the Stories of Us method can be submitted to the international 21st Century Skills Bullying Prevention Film Competition.

Visit the competition page for more information.

Order Resource

Pricing and ordering options.

Testimonials

"Stories of Us brought about many benefits to our classroom, not the least of which was the community that stemmed from this project. My students, racially, economically, and experientially diverse, came together in a way that I’ve not had the pleasure of seeing in my 16 years of teaching. Being 8th graders, the students came to my class in late August, with strong peer groups already entrenched. But on more than one occasion, I witnessed groups of students who would never have had intimate conversations, let alone personal ones, discussing issues around their race, and around specific topics such as their hair. It was remarkable! As a teacher, I strive to create community. Yet, that sense of complete openness and safety are elusive. Not with this project. Discussing an issue so all-reaching and meaningful as bullying, and working together in situations which required trust, allowed peer groups, formerly unmatched, to come together. Students who never sat together started eating lunch together, in essence, desegregating our cafeteria. We became a family, and truly got to know one another. It was beautiful."
 Shameem Rakha, Teacher, Franklin Middle School, Illinois

“The Stories of Us videos are real and believable for anyone who has worked in schools. In addition the guide gives schools the tools they need to provide a quality bullying prevention program for all students.”
  John Nori, Director of Instructional Leadership Resources,
  National Association of Secondary School Principals

"It would be difficult to find a classroom project that better illustrates the range of skills currently termed '21st century literacies,' and considered increasingly essential for academic and real-world achievement."
  National Council of Teachers of English's "Council Chronicle".

"The Stories of Us video about bullying is the best film on the topic that I’ve seen.  The students depict the bullying interactions with a realism that makes this a great teaching tool.  It will appeal to educators, students, parents and anyone else struggling with the issue of bullying."
  John Weitzel, Secondary Principal, St. Paul Public Schools, Nebraska

"I have seen the films on several occasions and regard them as exceptional efforts in portraying real life adolescent interaction. They are remarkable tools which educators can use to assist school and classroom efforts to stem the rise of bullying. It is very helpful for adolescents to see how their fellow students react in situations they often confront. The associate materials accompanying the films guide both educator and student in meaningful conversation, which can lead to insightful resolution of real life issues. As you consider how best to resolve local bullying concerns, Stories of Us should be highly regarded in that effort."
 Peter F. Murphy, Executive Director, Californian League of Middle Schools