September is here. And that means school supplies, book covers, and Picture Day. To make the transition from summer days at the pool or beach to days in the classroom easier, we've got some fun school-themed videos to help get everyone in the mood. While these videos may not mirror your own family's school experiences, they are good entertainment for one of those last vacation evenings before school bedtimes kick in.
Most of our test families with younger children thought Madeline was a winner, in any of her guises. Some families watched titles from the animated Madeline series of videos (not summarized here) as well as the live-action adaptation listed below. “We enjoyed two different Madeline videos,” said Lynda Hannan. “Jack (5) thought Pepito was funny and he was truly worried about the girls having to move out of their old house.”
Matilda drew a mixed response from our test families. Some found it wildly entertaining, while others thought it too scary or negative. “My husband, son (age 6) and I thought Matilda was one of the funniest movies we have seen in a long time,” Aileen Steigerwald commented. “Danny Devito was just hysterical as Matilda's father. It was a great time.”
Tricia Sypnikewski raved, “My kids (ages 6 and 8) loved Matilda. We watched it three times and invited neighbors to come over… They loved Matilda's magic and her powerful triumph over Ms. Trunchbull. I think this film will help with the transition to school. I think it shows an incredible relationship between a teacher [Miss Honey] and student [Matilda].”
But Sypniewski also added that her children found parts of the film to be “intense” and “scary.” Another mother worried that her five-year-old would have nightmares from the movie and warned that the depiction of school was both negative and frightening for children who haven't started yet. If you have younger children, you may want to preview this title and weigh our notes (listed below) about it for yourself.
In addition to providing some laughs, our video selections took many parents down memory lane, too. “Schoolhouse Rock brings back some wonderful memories, and I am amazed at how much I remember,” said mom Lori Thole. “The kids (ages 3 and 2) love to dance and sing to any song, so they liked them.” Lynda Hannan noted. “The nun in charge of the girls [Miss Clavel from Madeline and Madeline and the New House] reminded me of my Catholic grade school days and the nuns who taught some of the classes. Some were loved, some feared! The movie also reminded me of high school French class, and my memory was tested on the meanings of the words.”
No matter which videos you choose, we wish you and your family a happy return to the school routine. And, incidentally, several of these films are inspired by children's books. Reading them together could be an another terrific back-to-school activity.
- Matilda (Columbia Tri-Star Home Video, 1996, ages 7-up, rated PG)
Matilda is an extremely gifted (she reads novels by age 4) and sensitive child who happens to have clueless and selfish parents. She thinks things will be better when she finally goes to school. Though she adores her kind and attentive teacher Miss Honey, school principal Miss Trunchbull is another story: she's abrasive, abusive, and has it in for Matilda. Luckily, Matilda's years of mentally fighting her parents and other incompetents has given her a kind of supernatural mental power that may just solve all her problems.
This movie is adapted from the novel by Roald Dahl, an author known for his irreverent humor and broad portrayals of adults (which many children can't get enough of!). Nasty insults often fly from the mouths of nasty grown-ups in his world, while good-hearted children possess the most redeeming qualities. Suggested for older children who appreciate fantasy.
- Madeline (Columbia Tri-Star Home Video, theatrical release 1998, ages 4-up, rated PG)
Madeline, the diminutive spunky red-headed child under the tutelage of Miss Clavel, springs from the pages of Ludwig Bemelmans's picture books in this entertaining adaptation. There's a lot going on “In an old house in Paris/that was covered with vines.” For starters, Lord “Cuckooface” Covington wants to sell the house/school! But Madeline and her friends aren't about to let that happen. Other adventures involve Pepito, the Spanish ambassador's son, and Genevieve, Madeline's trusted and brave dog. Younger Madeline fans will enjoy this film right along with older siblings; it doesn't stray too far from a G rating.
- Schoolhouse Rock!: Grammar Rock (Disney Home Video 1997, aired on TV in 1974, ages 4-up)
Parents of a certain age will surely remember these funky — and extremely catchy — animated shorts that ran as interstitials during Saturday morning cartoons on ABC television back in the 1970s. Grammar Rock collects “Conjunction Junction,” “Interjection,” and “A Noun Is a Person, Place or Thing” as well as other catchy hits. Companion volumes include America Rock (which includes “I'm Just a Bill”) and Multiplication Rock (home to “Figure Eight”), Science Rock and Money Rock. Hey, it's never too early to learn some basics.
- The Indian in the Cupboard (Columbia TriStar Home Video, theatrical release 1995, ages 7-up, rated PG)
It'll make a great school report… Young Omri learns more than he ever imagined about 19th-century Native Americans when he brings an Iroquois warrior to life via a magic cupboard. As he and the tiny man known as Little Bear become friends, Omri not only comes to better understand American history, but he must also struggle with issues of loyalty and honor and face the consequences of using magic to upset a very real life.
TAKE IT FROM ME:
Spot Goes to School is a basic favorite. Both the book and the video helped Jack (now 5) with the transition to preschool. –Lynda Hannan
