It’s Movie Time: 21 Movies For Teachers

I know it’s still summer and thinking about school and your next group of students might not be top of your to do list, but how about watching a movie? As you know, movies can be a powerful tool that can improve our craft as teachers because they provide perspectives and deep insights into our students throughout their school journey. The more we understand the students in front of us, the more affective we will be when delivering our lessons.

The following selections are mine alone and based purely on my own thoughts, feelings, and nostalgia. The selections are arranged according to films that capture early childhood, middle childhood, and then the teenage experience.  Again, my intention for these selections is that you watch them for your enjoyment and to get ready for the school year.  I am not to suggesting you watch them with your students.  Happy viewing!

For the Kindergarten to Third Grade Teacher: I did my best to remember films that appealed to me as a child as well as films that my students and niece and nephews enjoyed. They speak to the imaginative reality that little children live where they can and do talk to each other and speak to the inner reality of each child who feels kinship with animals and with nature. They also confront big issues such as loss, having differences, the need for real friendship and the importance of family and love. I can vividly recall sitting in a theater and crying my eyes out after a scene in The Land Before Time and when E.T. and Elliot fell ill. Might want to have some tissues handy.

1. Charlotte’s Webb
2. The Indian In The Cupboard
3. Finding Nemo
4. The Land Before Time
5. The Iron Giant
6. Up
7. E.T.

For the Third to Fifth Grader and The Sixth Through Eighth Grader: There is so much transformation between third and eighth grade that it is difficult to find films that speak to each transitional phase. Although a third grader may experience rapid physical growth it is important to realize they are still very much a little child with their power of imagination and innocence very much intact, but they are becoming more independent and aware that childhood is changing. They are no longer “the little kids” even if they sometimes wish they were. Individual identity starts to emerge more and the need for friendship and acceptance increases as they reach those pre teen years. I think these following films capture some of the transitions, feelings, hopes and fears of this dynamic phase of life.

1. Home Alone
2. The Never Ending Story
3. The Earthling
4. Millions
5. The Sand Lot
6. Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog
7. School of Rock

For The Ninth to Twelfth Grader: It was difficult to pick just seven films to encapsulate the high school experience, but I did my best. I really think Stand By Me captures the transition from middle school to high school like no other film. The fear of the unknown, the fear of losing your friends and being alone, the fear that you won’t find your way, the fear that you might wind up like an older sibling or your parents and so much more. Steven King is a real master at capturing the inner landscape of all ages. I could have included his really scary film It on this list, but not enough space. The other films speak to the persistent and timeless themes high schooler’s encounter; bullying, raging hormones, the need to fit in, the desire to become something better, the need to question everything and to find truth. Those last two needs are perhaps best captured in Donnie Darko. If you haven’t scene it yet be ready for a wild and potentially deep experience.

1. Stand By Me
2. My Bodyguard
3. Three O’Clock High
4. Better Off Dead
5. Weird Science
6. The Karate Kid
7. Donnie Darko

I can’t end this movie post without mentioning The Goonies!  I think this film covers middle school through high school pretty well and if you haven’t seen it yet, start with this one please. After all these years and countless viewings this movie is still one of my favorites.

Hope you get the chance to watch some of these movies and that the rest of your summer goes great. Please let me know what you think about my suggestions and what you think about these films and suggest  your top pics too. Thanks for reading and for sharing!

Image Credit: Jugulator / Shutterstock.com