Every person who has ever taught or even babysat children, has had the temptation to just throw on a movie when the “going gets tough”. Sometimes, we just need a mental break. Or maybe we have run out of lessons.
Or perhaps, we can see that the children are losing interest or motivation. And so we put on a film. But, what if we use that movie time to get something new out of our students or children? Check out our How to Successfully Use Movies In Your Homeschool for some great ideas!
Check off the standards for visual literacy
Use it as an opportunity to practice visual literacy. Films and TV shows are flooding our eyes each and everyday. Netflix is only getting more popular, and so this current generation of kids has spent more time in front of the TV than any other. Use it to your advantage.
The Common Core standards include visual literacy. Help your child learn how to evaluate what they see and hear every day whether its images or shows or films. Check out these resources at Edutopia to find ways to develop your child’s analysis skills using films.
Tie the movie to your curriculum
If you want to use movies in your homeschool to add a new element, then tie them to what you’re learning with your children right now!
For example, if you’re learning about battles in WWII, then you have so many great films at your fingertips! For a great list of movies organized by their subjects, then take a look at Teaching With Movies from Homeschooling Ideas!
Use clips (to save time and be effective!)
In my own classroom, I used clips almost everyday to add to my lessons to make them interesting. They can be clips from real movies or even short educational cartoons like BrainPop.
Not only do your kids get a fun little break, but they get to visualize whatever concept or topic you’re learning about. And as an added bonus, there are quizzes and activities to work on after the clips if you have a subscription.
Work on skills during the movie (mindful watching)
Make a movie more effective by working on different skills as your child watches. For example, let’s say you’re working on ‘irony’ with your high schooler. During a particular film, you can have your child write down examples of irony that they find throughout.
Then, at the end, you can check for understanding. It’s a wonderful way for your child to work on skill application! In All You Do has an amazing compilation of great movie studies you can work on with your child!
Promote discussion post-movie
After the film or clip, you can open up a discussion. Perhaps you could provide the question or questions beforehand, and then your child could take a few notes as they watch. At the end, you and your child can practice discussion styles, debates, etc. It’s a great way to get your child to mindfully watch a film instead of just letting their brain “veg out” with a movie.
For ideas about themes and where to begin your discussions, check out Teach with Movies!
Discuss the importance of film as an art form
Maybe your child is interested in working with film in the future? Why not start treating film as an art form and include it as part of your art lessons? You can find resources to discuss screenwriting, directing, lighting, acting, and so much more!
Get into the nitty-gritty with your learner about how to make and/or appreciate film, and it could be a wonderfully unique addition to your homeschool! And for even more reasons to convince you, check out Filmmaking for Homeschool Kids Who Love Movies and find ideas and links to resources!
Check out our great list of movie studies and related resources!
Keri
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