Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the John F. Kennedy Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

 

Before the Movie

 

What do you know about John F. Kennedy?

What do you know about the 1960s?

 

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 2:11: In what ways did JFK’s background make him a charismatic political candidate in 1960?

Timecode 3:03: How was the early television era pivotal to JFK’s election?

Timecode 3:45: In what ways was the “Kennedy era” a time of transition?

Timecode 4:38: Why was Cuba the focus of so much anxiety during the JFK administration?  

 

After the Movie

 

Which of JFK’s policies were successful? Which were not?

What did JFK learn from the Bay of Pigs?

 

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