'Out of my Mind' Lesson Plan & Worksheets | Grades 5 - 9

Out of My Mind Movie Study | Inclusion, Empathy, ELA, Critical Thinking & SEL Activities | Grades 5–9

Help students explore empathy, inclusion, perseverance, and the power of communication with this engaging Out of My Mind Movie Study! Based on the inspiring 2024 film adaptation of Sharon M. Draper’s bestselling novel, this resource encourages students to think deeply about disability awareness, prejudice, self-advocacy, friendship, and belonging while strengthening reading comprehension, critical thinking, discussion, and writing skills. Through 30 meaningful activities, students gain a deeper understanding of Melody’s journey and the importance of ensuring every voice is heard.

What's Included

• 30 student activities

• Printable student workbook

• Comprehensive teacher guide

• Complete answer key

• Reading comprehension questions

• Character analysis activities

• Perspective-taking exercises

• Empathy and inclusion discussions

• Vocabulary development activities

• Cause-and-effect graphic organizer

• Story mountain plot analysis

• Character comparison Venn diagram

• Theme and symbolism analysis

• Conflict and obstacle exploration

• Inference and critical-thinking questions

• Discussion and debate prompts

• Diary writing activity

• Reflection and SEL activities

• Class survey and graphing extension

Students will explore:

• Inclusion and belonging

• Communication and self-advocacy

• Disability awareness

• Empathy and understanding others

• Perseverance and resilience

• Friendship and acceptance

• Overcoming prejudice

• Personal identity and self-worth

• Critical thinking and perspective-taking

How It Works in the Classroom

This Out of My Mind movie guide is designed for flexible classroom use and works well for:

• English Language Arts lessons

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Inclusion and diversity units

• Disability awareness discussions

• Literature study extensions

• Independent work

• Homeschool learning

• Substitute plans

• Small-group discussions

• Cross-curricular learning

Students complete activities before, during, and after viewing the film. Lessons include comprehension checks, perspective-writing tasks, empathy-building activities, character analysis, discussion and debate prompts, vocabulary development, and creative reflection opportunities. The included teacher guide provides a complete 90-minute lesson plan with differentiation strategies and assessment tools.

Standards & Learning Goals

Students will:

• Summarize plot events and character development

• Analyze themes, symbolism, and conflict

• Explore point of view and perspective

• Examine how communication shapes relationships

• Strengthen reading comprehension and vocabulary skills

• Develop empathy and disability awareness

• Support opinions with evidence from the film

• Participate in thoughtful discussion and debate

• Practice narrative and reflective writing

• Evaluate how inclusion impacts individuals and communities

Supports instruction in:

• English Language Arts

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Character Education

• Disability Awareness

• Critical Thinking

• Speaking and Listening

• Writing Skills

• Media Literacy

Why Teachers Love It

✅ No-prep printable resource

✅ Includes teacher guide and complete answer key

✅ Promotes empathy, inclusion, and meaningful classroom discussions

✅ Encourages deeper analysis and critical thinking

✅ Builds perspective-taking and self-reflection skills

✅ Supports disability awareness and respectful conversations

✅ Integrates reading, writing, discussion, and SEL learning

✅ Flexible for classroom, homeschool, and enrichment settings

✅ Complements both the film and Sharon M. Draper’s novel

✅ Helps students understand the importance of every voice being heard

Teachers love how this resource transforms a powerful film into an unforgettable learning experience. Students develop empathy, challenge assumptions, and gain a greater appreciation for communication, inclusion, and perseverance while strengthening essential literacy and analytical skills.

Add this Out of My Mind Movie Study to your classroom today and help students explore empathy, inclusion, perseverance, and the power of communication through engaging activities that inspire meaningful discussions and lasting learning.