Lesson 3: Teacher’s Guide

Purpose: 

1. To define “treatments” and teach students how to write strong ones. 

2. To inform students why treatments are important in the filmmaking process. 

Materials: 

• Sample treatments for the attention-getter 

• The AT&T PSA “The Unseen – It Can Wait” and any necessary audiovisual equipment to play it for the class 

• Paper and pencils for students to take notes and write the treatments 

Time: 

1. Key Vocabulary 5 min. 

2. Attention-getter 15 min. 

3. Discussion 10 min. 

4. Activity 20 min. 

5. Assignment 5 min. (in class), 15 min. (homework)

   Total time: 55 min (+15 min home assignment)

Teacher Preparation:

1. Ensure you have the treatments ready for the attention-getter section. You may want to write them on a whiteboard or put them in a PowerPoint presentation so that students can easily read them; although, you may also read them aloud. 

2. Prepare your computer and other audiovisual equipment to play the AT&T PSA. 

Tips:

• You may want to check in with your students to ensure they have completed the assignment from Lesson II. This will make it less overwhelming for them to complete the Lesson III assignment, which builds on the information gathered in the Lesson II assignment. 

• When having students collaborate on a treatment, ensure that their criticism remains constructive and productive. A general rule for critiquing and working together on a project is students should always provide a positive comment on another student’s work before explaining how it could be improved.