Changing By The Minute Documentary Tool Kit

For use by the University of Maine, University of Vermont, University of Ohio, University of Southern Florida, University of Southern Georgia.

The documentary tool kit was developed by subject matter experts for use with both undergraduate and graduate students studying:

  • human development
  • early adolescence
  • middle grades education
  • school structures
  • psychology
  • other topics

It is recommended the materials are used over several sessions to allow for adequate exploration of developmental issues and student perspectives showcased in the film. See discussion guides for suggestions.

Stream films directly from this page:
  • Changing By The Minute – 62 min documentary by award-winning filmmaker
  • Y’All R Real Ones: Middle School Moments – 10 min short documentary
  • Bonus Material – 25 min additional commentary, anecdotes, insights
Access support materials below:
  • Discussion Guides developed by subject matter experts
  • Research Resource List with emphasis on social emotional learning and school belonging
  • Info Sheet re: School Specifics about the school featured in the film
  • Filmmaker Statement

Changing By The Minute is a feature documentary offering an unprecedented opportunity to hear directly from a diverse collection of early adolescents and observe them over the course of one school year. The film showcases the social emotional development of 10-14 year olds, and provides a jumping off place for discussions about the complexities of friendship, identity, self-expression, ethics and practices that foster a sense of belonging.

Pro-Tip for Viewing: Headphones or external speakers recommended. Laptop speakers not recommended. Click “expand” button on lower right of each window to view full screen.

Trailer (3 min)

Changing By The Minute (62 min documentary)

Y’All R Real Ones: Middle School Moments (10 min documentary)

Bonus Materials

Click here to access the Bonus Materials page, under construction.

Bonus Materials are intended to augment and extend discussions related to the 62 min. documentary film “Changing By the Minute.”  The bonus material is not a comprehensive presentation of issues — but an assortment of commentary, anecdotes, and insights that may be of additional interest.

Discussion Guides (BETA)

Discussion Guide for using short film with 10-14 year olds

Discussion Guide for using short film with new teacher and new school counselor candidates

Discussion Guide for using short film with In-Service educators and administrators

The discussion guides above (BETA versions) have been developed by subject matter experts to assist professionals using the 10 min documentary films with:

  • new teacher candidates
  • new school counselor candidates
  • undergraduates studying education and human development
  • early adolescents
  • new after-school staff
  • in-service teachers and administrators
  • families, parents, guardians, PA

The materials presented here are intended to help  reverse the narrative of early adolescence as a negative time, support SEL training for professionals, and engage 10-14 year olds in meaningful, inclusive conversations as they recover from two years of disrupted learning.

To learn more, see: ChangingByTheMinute.com

If you know a school offering middle grades instruction that would like to license the documentary tool kit, have them contact: RollingRiverMedia@gmail.com