WeAreTeachers was lucky enough to get an early copy of The Eagle Huntress, which is launching during the month of November in many cities across the U.S. We watched it. We were inspired. And now, we’re really excited about using the companion Teacher’s Guide in our middle and high school classrooms. Download the guide here.
The Eagle Huntress is an exciting new film based on the real life story of a 13-year-old Mongolian girl named Aisholpan as she sets out become an eagle hunter—a great honor that is usually only bestowed upon boys and men in her Kazahk culture. Even though many people in her community reject the idea of a girl taking part in their ancient tradition, Aisholpan is determined to become the first female eagle hunter in 12 generations of her family. The film has a touching narrative and gorgeous cinematography, and it proves to the world that girls can do anything boys can do.
Check out some of our favorite clips from the film:
Although we highly recommend first taking a class field trip to see The Eagle Huntress in theaters, you can also download this Teacher’s Guide to use on its own to teach important lessons about self-esteem, belonging, and equality between men and women, Here are just a few ways we’re planning to use the guide in our classrooms:
- Analyze topics, like personal identity, stereotyping and gender bias, through writing prompts.
- Encourage students to share their point of view and actively listen to their classmates’ ideas through discussion starters.
- Teach students about foreign countries and different cultures with activities and readings that relate to Mongolia and the Kazakh culture.
- Reinforce concepts like “theme” with activities that ask students to summarize and analyze key and supporting details from the film.
- Play “Angel By the Wings,” a song from the film’s soundtrack by pop artist Sia, to remind students that determination can help them achieve their dreams. Then start a conversation about traditional values and individual expression.
