New Deal Discussion Prompts & Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the New Deal 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 the New Deal? What do you hope to learn?
What have you heard about the Great Depression?

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 1:11: How might giving people money lead to higher employment?
Timecode 1:44: Why would these alphabet agencies make people feel more confident?
Timecode 2:11: How could these benefits also help the larger population?
Timecode 2:22: Why might a very powerful federal government make people nervous?
Timecode 2:36: Why would a President speak directly to the people so often during this time?

After the Movie

Why do you think FDR was such a popular president?

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