Our Story

FilmArobics began in 1994 as a pioneering project by two passionate educators, Judy Sugarman and Nancy Ward. Faced with the challenge of using a French film without subtitles, “Cyrano de Bergerac,” they divided the movie into 10-15 minute segments to fit into class periods and created comprehensive lesson plans. This innovative approach addressed all learning styles and significantly boosted student engagement and language proficiency. Over nearly two decades, Judy expanded FilmArobics to include Spanish, German, Italian, and English lesson plans.

Meet Our Leadership

In 2014, Bert Neumaier took over FilmArobics, bringing with him a wealth of experience and accolades in the field of language education. Bert's notable achievements include:

• Connecticut Teacher of the Year (1987): Recognized for his exceptional teaching skills and dedication to education.
• Milken Educator Award (1991): A prestigious national award celebrating his contributions to language education.
• Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship (1989): Awarded for his innovative work in foreign language teaching.

Bert has also been a world language methods instructor for the CT Alternate Route to Certification since 2000, training approximately 500 teachers for the world language classroom. His extensive background includes teaching French at Farmington High School and serving as the language program coordinator for the Farmington Public Schools.

What We Offer

At FilmArobics, we provide a wide range of language lesson plans that include:

• Speaking Exercises: Foster fluency through engaging dialogues and discussions inspired by film scenes.
• Reading Activities: Develop comprehension skills with film scripts, subtitles, and related texts.
• Writing Assignments: Enhance writing abilities with film themes, character analyses, and creative prompts.
• Viewing Skills: Cultivate critical viewing habits with guided film screenings, focusing on plot, character development, and cultural context.

How It Works: A Simple 3-Step Process

1. Pre-Viewing Activities:
2. During Viewing:
3. Post-Viewing Activities:

Developed by Teachers, for Teachers

FilmArobics is built on the foundation of teacher-driven content. Our lesson plans are created by experienced educators who understand the challenges and opportunities in the classroom. This ensures that each plan is practical, effective, and engaging, designed to meet the needs of both teachers and students.

Why Choose FilmArobics?

• Engaging Content: Our lesson plans feature popular and critically acclaimed films, keeping students motivated.
• Comprehensive Resources: Address all language skills—speaking, reading, writing, and viewing.
• Cultural Immersion: Provide authentic cultural contexts, helping students understand the language in real-world scenarios.
• Proven Methodology: Backed by educational research and classroom experience, our approach is both effective and enjoyable.

Join the FilmArobics Community

By integrating our lesson plans into your curriculum, you are enhancing your students' language skills and fostering a love for learning and cultural exploration. Join us today and transform your language classroom into a vibrant, dynamic learning environment.