Azur and Asmar: didactic courses- Classes III A, III C Secondary school of San Lorenzo in Campo- Italy

Grade level: III year of a Middle School (13 year aged students)
Subject: Italian
Lesson objectives:
-to write a story following strictly the clues;
-to write a story respecting accuracy and coherence
Activities:
vision of the film;
group work on the possible sequels of the story;
shared choice of the best suggestion;
composition of the story
Subject: Geography
Lesson objectives:
-to describe and understand a territory;
-to be aware that to study different countries can promote the respect of one’s identity and the cooperation and integration;
Activities:
Study of the physical, economic characteristics of Maghreb
Subject: Citizenship
Lesson objectives:
-To form a responsible and liable citizen capable of understating other cultures, of appreciating the value of freedom, respectful of the human dignity and of the differences
Activities:
To reflect upon the spontaneous comments expressed by the students during the vision of the film and recorded by the teacher;
Debate on the messages of the author;
Analysis of the articles of the Italian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights related to freedom and equality among people without making any distinction of race, colour, sex, language, religion.


“Brotherhood has no colour”

Grade level: III year of a Middle School (13 year aged students)
Subjects: Italian; Citizenship
Lesson Objectives:
-to reflect upon respect, acceptance and discovery of the others as a personal enrichment
-to promote the awareness of the new ethic and multicultural European background and the acceptance of other nationalities
-to reflect upon the similarities between the contents of the 3rd article of the Italian Constitution, the 1st, the 2nd and the 3rd article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the main topics of the film “Azur and Asmar”.
Activities:
vision of the film “Azur and Asmar”;
guided discussion;
analysis of the articles: 3 (Italian Constitution); 1,2,3 (Universal Declaration of Human Rights);
production of a poster with some pictures from the film and the articles above-mentioned


MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR
This lesson activity is the result of some lessons held with a class of third year middle school students (13 years old). We started by looking at the film “Azur and Asmar”. We discussed the main topics on which the film is based: the idea of tolerance, equality and peace among people from different countries, religions and cultures. After that, the role of Martin Luther King as one of the most important men of the 20th century in the fight against racism was introduced. We did some research into his life and work using books, the internet and videos. Then we revised all the information, added pictures, sounds and a video and produced a multimedia product in order to reflect on the historical context of King's life and work. Moreover, this work is a springboard for further research and reflection.
Lesson objectives:
1) To become familiar with the historical context of King’s work and life;
2) To discuss and reflect upon a quote from his speech ”I have a dream”;
3) To watch a recording of King’s “I have a dream” speech;
4) To reflect on the importance of respect and tolerance towards other cultures
Subject: Cross-curricular, English as a second language, History, Social Studies, Citizenship.
Grade level: III year of a Middle School (13 year aged students)