Movie Night Book Stack

There are many ways to enjoy time together as a family and bonding over books and movies is a simple way to connect. Start of course by reading the book and then plan a fun movie night!  You can keep it simple and just add some popcorn or you can add some extra steps and make an event out of it: pre-made tickets, a ticket booth, concession stand, an usher, or maybe even go big with a projector to create a big-screen experience.

Homeschooling families have a special relationship with books and they are certainly the focus in all of our families.  Adding a movie night is fun and can even be used as a tool to encourage those reluctant readers.  In our home, we’ve often said ‘no’ to movies unless the novel was read first.  It’s been the nudge that some of our kiddos have needed.

We all want our children to develop critical thinking skills and taking the time to read a book and then watch the movie is a great way to get those gears going. You don’t need to dampen the fun by pulling out worksheets; a simple conversation will do. Begin with open ended questions that encourage your child to compare and contrast the book and the movie.

You’ll also be developing social skills in your children as you read and then watch; encouraging your children to consider the perspectives and creativity of others.

Please keep in mind that this is not an endorsement of all of these movies.  You’ll have to take the time to research and figure out what works for your family’s standard.

Enjoy.

by Adrianne Curwen

Adrianne is a wife to a public-school educator/administrator and a homeschooling Mama to seven children, ranging in age from 7 to 23. She believes that we have a unique opportunity as homeschoolers to design individualized education that suits giftings, interests, and passions. She and her husband have used a blend of registered homeschooling, enrolment with independent DL schools, and participation in public trade school programs to design individualized programs for their children.  She is passionate about using as many read-alouds, picture books, novels, and conversations to educate her children but also gets excited by the amazing homeschool-designed curriculum that’s out there.  Adrianne is thrilled by her new role as Communication Specialist for Classical Education Books and is grateful to have an opportunity to learn something new.  She is grateful, every day, for her saviour, Jesus Christ, and has no greater joy than when she sees her most important missions field walk with Him.