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Abigail Disney, Producer

The Power of Imagination (Season Two)

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Abigail Disney, Producer - The Power of Imagination (Season Two) - Lessons - Life Stories Interviews

"So perhaps I should look at everything new and and decide things for myself."- Abigail Disney, The Thread

Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Roy Disney, is also one of the nation’s most vocal champions on the issue of wealth inequality, fearlessly challenging the corporate practices of the company that bears her name. This episode of The Thread is a conversation with a person who unselfishly uses the gift of her birthright to change our world for the better. She reflects her upbringing, its role in shaping her career, and her ongoing committment to activism. 

 

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Lesson Objectives

Social Studies

* Explore the global influence of Disney films, characters, and stories in shaping culture and student’s understanding of themselves

* Define capitalism, income inequality, corporate wealth, generational wealth

* Compare and contrast grassroots organizing to treetops organizing

English Language Arts Focus

* Examine perspective taking from the point of view of one filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist

* Explore how Disney stories, characters, and animation, have influenced storytelling, culture, and the film industry

* Analyze the structure and purpose of a narrative, identify key themes in the episode, and synthesize information from a spoken text

* Analyze, reflect on, and discuss the title “The Power of Imagination” after watching the episode

* Analyze the impact of personal experiences and family history on an individual’s perspective

* Use Abigail Disney’s episode as evidence to write a synthesis essay on an assigned topic

Social Emotional Learning: By offering engaging personal narratives, students can discuss and strengthen the five SEL competencies - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Media Literacy: Students will practice media literacy skills by analyzing information, points of view, and claims made in The Thread and be able to translate these strategies with all forms of media to make more informed decisions.

Abigail Disney, Producer - The Power of Imagination (Season Two) - Lessons - Life Stories Interviews

First Take >

The “First Take” activity is a warm-up writing or conversation exercise created uniquely for The Thread to strengthen media literacy skills. Like an opening song in a musical, the first stanza of a poem, or even the first impression one person makes on another, the “First Take” asks students to reflect and share their initial thoughts and feelings about the episode’s opening and why the filmmaker and editor made these choices.

Download Abigail Disney's lesson to access the complete “First Take” activity.

Abigail Disney, Producer - The Power of Imagination (Season Two) - Lessons - Life Stories Interviews

The Thread Up Close >

After watching the interview, students will debrief and discuss the life story and engage in a close read and analysis of her interview using the “The Power of Imagination” episode and transcript.

In this lesson, the suggested close read focuses on the role of family history and legacy in shaping identity.

Download the lesson to access “The Thread Up Close” activity.

Abigail Disney, Producer - The Power of Imagination (Season Two) - Lessons - Life Stories Interviews

"The Power of Imagination" >

In this activity students will explore the meaning of the lesson’s title by inviting a local activist or community leader to speak to students about their experiences in social responsibility and activism. Prepare students to write questions prior to the speaker and encourage a Q&A session to explore new and modern implications of Abigail’s ideas.

Download the lesson to access "The Power of Imagination” activity.

Resources

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