Learn to Teach
Reading Through Film
Watch free instructional videos that show exactly how to use children's films to teach reading, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. New lessons published regularly.
Teaching Story Structure Using Moana
In this lesson, discover how to use Moana's hero journey to teach narrative structure — one of the most important reading comprehension skills at the elementary level.
Browse by Skill
Every lesson focuses on a specific reading skill. Browse by category to find exactly what your students need.
Story Structure
Lessons on narrative structure, the hero's journey, and how stories are built from beginning to end.
Character Analysis
Deep dives into character motivation, development, and the relationships that drive every great story.
Theme & Meaning
How to move students from plot summary to identifying the central message in any story.
Vocabulary & Language
Using visual context from film to unlock word meaning — a powerful bridge to reading comprehension.
How to Use These Lessons
Each lesson is designed to stand alone or pair directly with a chapter from the book. Here's how to get the most out of every video.
Watch the Lesson Video
Each video walks through the skill, the film excerpt, and the teaching approach. Watch once to understand the framework.
Use with the Book or Standalone
Pair the video with the corresponding chapter in the book for the full lesson plan, or use the video on its own as a quick strategy introduction.
Apply with Your Students
Use the film clip and teaching approach with your students. Discussion questions and activities are available in the book chapter.
Why I Share These Lessons Free
Every educator deserves access to strategies that actually work. I started the Opening Young Minds YouTube channel because I believe that practical, research-grounded literacy instruction should not be locked behind a paywall.
These videos are my way of sharing what 13 years in the classroom taught me — freely, openly, and in the hope that more children benefit from teachers and parents who have the right tools.
“"When educators thrive, children read. It's that simple."”
— Carlos Menendez, Opening Young MindsRelated Resources
Expand Your Literacy Instruction
Get the companion materials to help implement these lessons with your children.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
A practical guide using films to teach reading skills to elementary students. Available on Amazon.
Get the BookQuick Start Guide
A free printable guide to help you get started using films in your literacy instruction immediately.
Download FreeYouTube Channel
Watch free instructional videos showing how to use film and storytelling to build literacy skills.
Watch FreeWant the Complete Framework?
The YouTube lessons give you the approach. The book gives you everything — 11 complete lesson plans, printable materials, and a year-long curriculum guide.