Knowledge
Lights, Camera, Learn: 10 Movies to Screen in Schools for Students
Movies can be a powerful tool for education and can serve as a valuable supplement to traditional teaching methods. When used appropriately, movies can help to engage students, promote critical thinking and empathy, and provide a dynamic and immersive learning experience that can help to bring complex topics and issues to life.
Hosting movie screenings in schools can help to engage students who may be struggling to stay focused or motivated in traditional classroom settings. Movies have the ability to captivate students’ attention and can provide a welcome break from the monotony of lectures and readings.
It can help promote critical thinking and analysis skills. When students watch a movie, they are exposed to a wide range of perspectives and ideas and are often asked to think deeply about the themes and issues presented. This can help to develop students’ analytical skills and can provide a valuable opportunity for discussion and debate. It is also a valuable tool for promoting important values and themes. By carefully selecting movies that promote themes such as teamwork, perseverance, and social justice, teachers can help to instill important values in their students that will serve them well throughout their lives.
So, whether you are looking to supplement your classroom lessons, or simply looking for a fun and engaging activity for your students, here are 10 movies that are sure to provide a valuable learning experience.
Wonder (2017) – This movie tells the story of a boy with facial differences who attends public school for the first time. It highlights themes of empathy, kindness, and acceptance, making it a great movie for promoting inclusivity and compassion in schools.
Hidden Figures (2016) – This film tells the story of three African American women who played a crucial role in NASA’s space program during the 1960s. It promotes themes of perseverance, determination, and overcoming adversity, making it a great movie for teaching students about historical achievements and civil rights.
Akeelah and the Bee (2006) – This movie is about a young girl from South Los Angeles who participates in a spelling bee. It promotes themes of hard work, perseverance, and the power of education, making it a great movie for teaching students about the value of education and the importance of setting goals.
The Lorax (2012) – This movie is based on the book by Dr. Seuss and tells the story of a young boy who sets out to find a tree in a world without them. It promotes themes of environmentalism, conservation, and social responsibility, making it a great movie for teaching students about the importance of sustainability and protecting our planet.
Selma (2014) – This movie is about the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. It promotes themes of civil rights, activism, and perseverance, making it a great movie for teaching students about social justice and the power of nonviolent protest.
The Karate Kid (1984) – This movie is about a teenager who learns martial arts from a wise old man. It promotes themes of hard work, discipline, and the importance of mentorship, making it a great movie for teaching students about setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and finding positive role models.
Freedom Writers (2007) – This movie is based on the true story of a teacher who inspires her students to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. It promotes themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of education, making it a great movie for teaching students about the value of education and the importance of perseverance.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019) – Based on a true story, this drama tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a young Malawian boy who builds a wind turbine to save his village from famine. With the help of a few textbooks and his own determination, William overcomes adversity and inspires his community to build a better future. The movie promotes the values of ingenuity, resilience, and the power of education.
The Breadwinner (2017) – This animated drama tells the story of a young Afghan girl named Parvana who disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family after her father is arrested by the Taliban. Through her journey, she confronts issues such as gender inequality, oppression, and the power of storytelling. The movie promotes themes such as courage, resilience, and the importance of education.
The Greatest Showman (2017) – This movie is a musical based on the life of P.T. Barnum, the founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus. It promotes themes of creativity, entrepreneurship, and the importance of diversity and inclusivity, making it a great movie for teaching students about the value of pursuing your dreams and embracing your unique talents.
