“Pay it Forward”Lesson 1

Learning ObjectivesTo be able to:•Consider why the world may be a ‘big’ disappointment•Explain how we might be able to make the world a better place

Starter:•We are all a part of the school community-

but we are a part of a much larger one- HUMANITY

•What do you like about the human race?• i.e. many people are generous and donate

to charities•What don’t you like?• i.e. many people are selfish

Play the film from the start……pause after the journalist says “I’ve got a car…sort of.” (4:22)

•Why is this situation unusual?•What would you think if the same thing happened to you? •Why might we be suspicious?•Are we used to negative things happening to us rather than positive?

“What if the world is a big disappointment?”

This is a key quote from the first 5 minutes into the film. Mr Simonet (Kevin Spacey) asks his 7th grade class this question.

Pause the film after 12 mins, just as the classroom scene ends

What do we think of Trevor’s character so far?

Reconvene film:

Stop film at 28:22- the journalist approaches the man who gave him the car and tries to find out why- the man explains the story of his daughter. Stop the film when the man says “Sorry I’m late for my wedding” as he leaves the building.

Review Questions: Discuss• Do you think that the world is a “big

disappointment”? Why/why not?

• What could Mr Simonet have meant by this?

• Mr Simonet gives his class the challenge of thinking of a way to change the world and putting it into action- if I posed the same challenge, how would you respond?

• Is this challenge a good idea? Why/why not?

• What is the point Mr Simonet is trying to make?

TASK:In full sentences, answer the following

questions in your books:

•How might the world be a big disappointment?

•What might we be able to do to improve it?

•How could we make the world a better place?

Plenary:•What are your thoughts about “Pay it

Forward” so far?

•Does Trevor have a good idea?