Spellbound Film Curriculum on English, US Geography & Culture

Spellbound (2003, rated G) is a funny, award-winning documentary about eight kids from different parts of the US who compete in the National Spelling Bee. This curriculum uses the places and families shown in the film as a jumping-off point for discussions about the diversity of people and places in the US. It also examines immigrations trends, the immigrant experience, and of course spelling and the history of the English language. The curriculum was written for an ESL class but can be used to teach geography, spelling, history, or any number of subjects to Americans as well.