Christmas Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What do you know about Christmas and how it began?. (Tap prior knowledge)

What do you hope to learn about Christmas? (Set goals)

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 1:32: What is one aspect of Christmas that all Christian people agree upon? (Apply new knowledge)

Timecode 2:57: How are Yule and Christmas alike?  (Compare/contrast)

Timecode 4:00: How did the Christian Church attempt to attract converts from other religions?  (Apply new knowledge; Cause/effect)

After the Movie

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

What are your family’s holiday traditions? (Make connections)

What is your favorite holiday story? Why is it your favorite? (Make connections)

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Christmas Topic Page to your class. Then show the movie once through without pausing.  Watch it again, this time using the discussion prompts.

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