Using Films as Educational Tools: Exploring California State Standards through “Everything, Everywhere all at Once” and “CODA” for ELA Grades 9 and 10

In the realm of English Language Arts (ELA) education, films offer a powerful medium to engage and educate students. In my classes this year, I have used two films Everything, Everywhere all at Once and CODA, as educational tools for ELA grades 9 and 10. By delving into specific California State Standards and analyzing key moments from these films, we will highlight their relevance in teaching crucial literary elements such as character, plot, theme, symbol, and allusion among many others.

Understanding the Power of Films

Films possess a unique ability to captivate audiences through visual storytelling, evocative performances, and powerful soundtracks. They offer a multidimensional experience that engages students’ senses and emotions, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. By carefully selecting moments from films, educators can effectively teach intricate literary elements while adhering to California State Standards.

Everything, Everywhere all at Once and Literary Elements

Everything, Everywhere all at Once is a visually rich and thematically complex film that lends itself to the exploration of various literary elements for ELA grades 9 and 10. Let’s examine specific moments and their alignment with California State Standards:

1. Character Analysis: In the film, the protagonist’s transformation from an overwhelmed high school teacher to a multidimensional hero provides an opportunity to analyze character development. For example, students can analyze the protagonist’s journey and motivations as she confronts her own fears and discovers her inner strength (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.3).
2. Plot Structure: The film’s intricate narrative structure, weaving together multiple storylines, enables students to analyze plot development and the interplay of various elements. They can identify key turning points, conflicts, and resolutions, unraveling the complexities of the plot (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.2).
3. Theme Exploration: By examining the film’s overarching themes of identity, interconnectedness, and cultural heritage, students can develop a deeper understanding of thematic concepts. They can analyze specific scenes that highlight these themes and articulate their interpretations (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.2).
4. Symbolism and Allusion: Everything, Everywhere all at Once presents rich opportunities to explore symbolism and allusion. For instance, students can analyze symbolic objects or recurring motifs and interpret their significance in the film. Additionally, the film’s allusions to various cultural and mythological references can be examined, fostering critical thinking and intertextual analysis (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.4).

CODA and Literary Elements

CODA is a heartfelt film that delves into family dynamics, communication, and personal growth, providing ample material for the exploration of literary elements for ELA grades 9 and 10. Let’s examine specific moments and their alignment with California State Standards:

1. Characterization: The film’s central character, a young girl torn between her family’s fishing business and her passion for music, offers a rich opportunity for character analysis. Students can analyze her internal conflicts, motivations, and character growth throughout the narrative (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.3).
2. Plot Development: Students can analyze the film’s plot structure, focusing on pivotal moments that drive the story forward. They can identify key conflicts, turning points, and resolutions, gaining insights into how the narrative unfolds (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.2).
3. Theme Identification: CODA explores themes such as family, identity, and pursuing one’s passion. By examining specific scenes and character interactions, students can discern and articulate the film’s underlying themes (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.2).
4. Symbolism and Allusion: The film utilizes symbolism and allusion to convey deeper meanings. Students can analyze specific objects or visual elements in the film and interpret their symbolic significance. Furthermore, they can explore allusions to literary works or cultural references, strengthening their intertextual understanding (Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9–10.4).

Films like Everything, Everywhere all at Once and CODA offer educators valuable opportunities to engage students while teaching important literary elements. By carefully selecting moments from these films and aligning them with California State Standards, educators can create enriching and comprehensive learning experiences for ELA grades 9 and 10. Through character analysis, plot exploration, theme identification, and the analysis of symbolism and allusion, students can develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of literature, all while enjoying the power of visual storytelling.

*This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT