Point of view.
We seldom think about it, but we see it every day. Social media, news, blogs, tv shows, movies, books. It (like most elements of reading) is inescapable. It also lends itself beautifully to visual aids!
I used two tiers to teach perspective (and majorly kick up engagement): Optical Illusions and Movie Clips.
Optical Illusions
I showed some sidewalk chalk illusion art. We talked about how standing in a different place completely distorts the picture. Check out these awesome examples!
Credit: https://www.demilked.com/3d-sidewalk-chalk-art/
Then we did a few classic, what do you see illusions. Old woman, young woman? Duck or bunny? How many legs? There are so many to choose from.
After relating the art and illusions to how the eyes you're looking through changes your perspective. We took notes on first, third person limited, and third person omniscient.
Here are the clips I used to review each type. They had to discuss with their table what point of view it is and prove why.
First Person: Papa Elf introducing the story of Elf.
Third Person Limited: Outside observer, but able to hear one person's thoughts (Lizzie)
First two minutes
Third Person Omniscient: Outside observer, able to know multiple characters thoughts.
Peter Pan introduction
