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When it comes to children, screen-based media gets a bad rap. Blamed for everything from encouraging violence to causing autism, television and movies are not the first things that usually come to parents’ minds when seeking out educational opportunities for children. However, we believe it is time to remind parents of the magic (and developmental benefits) of big-screen cinema. Ask any grownup the question: “What was the first movie you ever saw at the movie theater as a kid?” and a nostalgic smile is sure to light up their face at the memory of the awe-inspiring, life-changing experience. Films are magical to a child (and to adults!) — given their ability to transport young, imaginative minds to other worlds, engaging them in fantasy and grandeur, and giving them characters to root for and relate to. The experience of sitting in a darkened room with hundreds of other people in front of a huge screen only adds to the mystique and power of the cinematic experience.
In today’s society, which is filed with overscheduled kids running from activity to activity — texting, IMing, tweeting, Facebooking, using cell phones — the art of rejuvenating via healthy escapism by watching a film at the movie theater should not be underestimated. Parents should put movie-going back on their child’s “to-do” list, offering them a chance to slow down and enjoy childhood through this transformative medium.
While there’s no doubt that excessive or unchecked media consumption can be detrimental to developing minds, entertainment that is regulated and shared with thoughtful parents and siblings can be one of the ultimate family bonding experiences. Viewing film on the big screen elicits powerful emotional responses, and enables kids to make connections with larger than life concepts, and see and learn about people, places and things, real or imaginary that they couldn’t envision otherwise. Films can help educate and inspire kids, teaching them empathy and igniting their passions. Who doesn’t remember rooting for little orphan Annie, cheering for and being captivated by a high-flying Superman, aching for E.T.’s safe return home or being transported to another realm with The Last Unicorn? Parents should be giving their kids this same fabric that we all used to weave the cultural tapestry of our childhood. And as an aside, there’s no doubt that some childrens’ movies also inspire kids to slow down and read books — just ask J.K. Rowling.
In today’s quick-fix, fast paced world, blockbuster films are now released to DVD format in record time — and the joy of taking a trip to the big-screen cinema to bond with family and friends is replaced by an isolated viewing of a DVD on a laptop or television. But modern days kids should be privy to the same cinematic experience we had growing up — piling into a packed theater, eager with anticipation and shared enthusiasm to watch a movie with a community, while feeling like a small part of a larger whole. There’s no replacement for the intellectual stimulation and imaginative spark that come from seeing a movie on the big screen.
Editor Jill’s favorite movie as a young child was The Last Unicorn. She says: I was really awestruck by this movie – the tragic storyline, together with gorgeous Japanimation, and Mia Farrow’s haunting voice left such an impression on me upon seeing it in the theater at age five, that my poor family was subjected to a relentless barrage of hundreds of unicorn drawings over the next 4 years or so. My family made the mistake of recording this movie from television on a VHS tape, and I watched the film over and over and over again, memorizing all the lines and re-enacting scenes from the movie with my little sister. I would later go on to follow the same obsessive trajectory with Gone With The Wind (go figure!), which my mom took me to see as a ‘matinee classic’ in our local small-town cinema. In college, I ended up making videos and majoring in film studies, so I think it is safe to say that those early movie-theater experiences made a profound and (I would like to think positive) impact on my psyche.
My favorite movie, and first big-screen movie experience as a child was E.T. I remember entering a crowded theater, with my Reeses Pieces in hand and sitting next to my sister and mom in complete awe at the gigantic blank movie screen in front of me. Once the screen lit up and delivered this amazing film to me, I was enchanted and inspired and have become a life long movie aficionado. I laughed, I cried, I jumped out of my seat. Who knew it was possible to have so many emotions in such a short amount of time? My love of movies is what made me want to ‘grow up’ to become a writer. I longed to write stories that could move people and enable them to transcend their own reality and escape for two hours into a land of make believe — that they would then carry with them as a memory forever.
READERS: What was your favorite movie as a child? What is your child’s favorite movie? Please share in the comments below!
11 Responses to “HOW TO: Educate & Inspire Your Kid Through Cinema”
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I think this is great. Movies can motivate kids to dream and discover. I remember watching Black Beauty as a kid and I was totally inspired to become an environmentalist and animal activist! Great post Inhabitots!
I used to watch Jim Hensen’s “The Bunny Picnic” every single day before going to kindergarten!
The first movie I ever saw in the theater was Bambi! Truly inspiring – especially when I think back on how it taught me to respect nature and all the living things around us.
can’t remember my first movie, but my favorite was The Black Stallion. watched that over and over again. haven’t thought hard enough to know what the lesson was – maybe how love can help you do anything.
That’s funny my favorite movie was the Last Unicorn too. I saw it three times in the theater – one of those time shunning ET to see it again which made everyone nuts. I liked it so much I made my mom put it on a cassette tape and I’d listen to it every night at bedtime plus got the book – I think I’ve seen it hundreds of times.
My son Cedar’s favorite movie as a little one (and he still likes it) is Totoro – and all the other Miyazaki movies too (which all have a little bit of green flavor). I like that he liked Totoro so much because it’s big on playing outdoor, and his whole life thus far he’s been obsessed with trees because of it. Cedar also likes Nightmare Before Christmas and 9. In fact this last Feb I had to make organic 9 cookies for his 9th birthday. Great post Beth!
The Lion King. Far and away my favorite childhood movie. It had everything: romance, revenge, a power struggle, and hyenas. Love that movie and still watch it from time to time.
The first movie I ever saw in the theater was Lady & the Tramp. E.T. was probably my favorite movie as a kid, though. My son loves both Toy Story movies. We can’t wait for the summer to finally take him to his first movie: Toy Story 3!
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is my favorite from childhood and still today. I’ve probably seen it 30 times, but I cry every time. It’s gives hope that hard work, family, small business and community really do mean something in life. That even though you may lead a simple and outwardly unassuming existence, it’s likely that you have made a huge difference in many people’s lives without even realizing it.
As a kid I loved the original Walt Disney move “The Incredible Journey” about two dogs and a cat traveling across country to reunite with their family. (It was much better than the recent remake!) The film, which was narrated instead of using artificial animal dialogue, taught me about perseverance, friendship, cooperation, love and loss. I also learned that very different personalities bring different strengths to bear to solve problems and get things done. Not bad for an hour or two in the theater!
My three year old grandson loves “Cars” and I think he learns about cooperation and healthy humility from it.
I can’t remember my first movie but have loved the Sound of Music forever. I tried to share (/inflict?) this joy on my children who now object to having to watch “that singing movie” any more. Give ‘em a few years and they’ll come around… They love Madagascar and the Chipmunks, getting up to showcase their super-cool toddler & preschool dance moves in the aisles as the credits roll. At some point they will be too cool to dance with abandon in front of a movie theater filled with strangers, so we’re enjoying this while we can. At any rate, going to the movie theater with kids can be a magical experience – just wish there were more G and PG-lite releases each year.
We are movie obsessed in our home. Netflix makes it easy for us to enjoy old kid movies we can watch together. Last night, we watched American Tale. I’m a Sound of Music devotee myself! And luckily, I have takers! I burned the songs on CDs so we can just sing along around the house.
But I’ve been convincing my little ones to love what I like by gifting them with the DVDs of old favorites like Alice in Wonderland or Mary Poppins. And when a newer version or a Broadway version comes out…we’re there if it is in the budget!