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Like Stars on Earth

Like Stars on Earth (Original title: Taare Zameen Par), the hit Indian film produced and directed by Aamir Khan, follows the story of Ishaa, an eight-year-old boy whose world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate. Colors, fish, dogs, and kites don’t seem important to the adults, who are much more interested in things like homework, marks, and neatness. Ishaa cannot seem to get anything right in class; he is then sent to boarding school, where his life changes forever.  This heartwarming film speaks to the fact that all of us, whether teachers or learners, have unique brains and learning patterns.
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Overview

Like Stars on Earth offers a wonderful opportunity to teach students about India, Bollywood films, and the Hindu festival Diwali. It can also open discussions about dyslexia and brain function. Our teaching guide features lessons across the curriculum, including Social Studies, Math, Science, and Visual Arts.

Teaching Tip

This film is long for many educational settings. We recommend showing it for a special schedule day, like end of the year celebrations. Or educators can break the film into a few days of instruction because of the rich educational offerings that go with it. Plus students truly love it. It is a film full of joy!

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Where to Watch

This movie can be hard to find on streaming services but you can buy the DVD.

Curriculum Guide

  • Lesson 1: The People and Land of India

    Subject: Social Studies

    Lesson Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

  • Lesson 2: The Elements of Film: Constructing Meaning Through Music and Visual Imagery

    Subject: Film Literacy, Media Literacy

    Lesson Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College

  • Lesson 3: Making Beauty Out of Nonsense

    Subject: English Language Arts, Film Literacy, Language Arts, Media Literacy, Visual Arts

    Lesson Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

  • Lesson 4: Determining Your Grade: Calculating Percents

    Subject: Math

    Lesson Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

  • Lesson 5: How the Brain Works

    Subject: Psychology, Science

    Lesson Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

  • Lesson 6: Color and Design: Block-Printed Textiles in India

    Subject: Visual Arts

    Lesson Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College

  • Lesson 7: Diwali — The Festival of Lights

    Film-specific Cross-Cultural Understanding

    Subject: Film Literacy, Geography, Religious Studies, Social Studies, World Religions

    Lesson Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

  • Lesson 8: The Historical and Social Background of Bollywood

    Subject: Film Literacy, Music, Social Studies, Theater

    Lesson Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, College

  • Lesson 9: Exploring Music of India and the World

    Subject: Music, Social Studies

    Lesson Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

  • Appendix: Teaching the Dyslexic Child

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Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines

These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of this film.

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Glossary of Film Terms

The Glossary of Film Terms is useful for the Film Literacy lessons that are part of this curriculum guide.

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Sustainable Development Goals

Journeys in Film supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about teaching with UN SDGs. This curriculum guide connects to the following SDGs.
  • Good_Health_and_Well_being
  • Quality_Education
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