Bass Reeves Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What is meant by the American Frontier? (Tap prior knowledge)

What do you know about Western Expansion?  (Tap prior knowledge)

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 2:35: What was Indian Territory? How was it like a different country? (Compare and contrast)

Timecode 4:15: In what ways was the West the perfect hideout for criminals? (Synthesize)

Timecode 7:22: How would you describe Reeves’ commitment to law enforcement? (Summarize)

After the Movie

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Bass Reeves topic. (Make connections)

How would you describe Bass Reeves to someone who doesn’t know who he is?  (Reflect, Identify character traits)

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Bass Reeves Topic Page to your class or have students read independently. Then have them watch the movie once through without pausing. Then, watch it again as class, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.