Salem Witch Trials Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie

What do you know about the Salem Witch Trials?

What do you hope to learn about the Salem Witch Trials?

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 1:31: Why did the Puritans blame bad things on the devil?

Timecode 3:40: What do you think caused the girls’ mysterious fits?  

Timecode 4:30: Why do you think Tituba confessed to being a witch? Why did she accuse others?

Timecode 7:51: How was the Red Scare of the 1950s similar to the Salem Witch Trials?

After the Movie

Why do you think the Puritan faith came to an end shortly after the Salem Witch Trials? 

Look at the four related movies below the movie player. Explain how each is connected to the Salem Witch Trials. 

BrainPOP recommends reading  the movie description that appears on the Salem Witch Trials 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.