This post is one of the ten in Vibrant Homeschooling’s Fabulous Family Movie Nights series. Click here to see the other movies featured and be inspired to plan an interactive learning experience through movies with your family this summer!
Growing up with the classic tale of Peter Pan, I just knew my kids would love this movie, and I was right.
Action, adventure, and suspense will have family members riveted and provide a movie night to remember.
In case it’s been awhile since you’ve thought about this childhood favorite, it’s based around the youthful character of Peter Pan. He whisks away siblings Wendy, John, and Michael on an adventure to Never Land since it’s Wendy’s last night in the family nursery. Packed with action as Peter encounters the Lost Boys, and his nemesis, Captain Hook, kids of all ages will love this classic tale. {Visit PluggedIn.com for a review of Peter Pan, although as a family we enjoyed the original Disney version.}
Since my children are small, ages three and four, I embraced the chance to sneak some education into each portion of our movie viewing experience.
Healthy Patterned Fruit Kabob Swords
Snacking during a movie is a must for my two foodies, so we created a healthy snack, Patterned Fruit Kabob Swords to go along with the pirate theme of the movie.
Using a variety of fresh fruit, we assembled our “swords” by alternating the fruit on the skewers in patterns to practice this early learning skill and keep preschool concepts fresh. We practiced counting and sorting for more of an education emphasis as well. The kids loved creating their own swords, and of course we had to sample the wares a bit before the movie began!
Peter Pan ‘I Spy’ Printable
To keep the kids engaged and excited throughout the movie, we played Peter Pan ‘I Spy’. As we snuggled up, each child had an ‘I Spy’ printable and the goal was to find the listed items throughout the scenes of the show. They loved shouting out an item on the list and were so proud of finding them hidden throughout the movie. Older children could keep a tally of how often they saw the items throughout the movie, as well.
Download here
As the movie unfolded, the kids were on the edge of their seats, enamored by the plot and the action, but it provided the perfect opportunity to ask some questions geared for young children. Any activity that builds the family bond and furthers conversation is a win in my book!
Movie Questions
1. Can you really stay a child forever?
2. What makes Captain Hook’s character mean? What would make him nicer and a better friend?
3. What would happen if you tried to fly like Peter Pan?
4. What part of Never Land would you like to experience?
5. When you do grow up, what would you like to be?
Once the movie was over, I realized the family fun and learning didn’t have to stop there. These creative and easy extension activities will help any family continue to learn from the movie and spend time together.
Movie Extension Activities
1. Dress up like the characters and reenact a scene. Make props and costumes for even more fun!
2. Color these Peter Pan sheets, cut out, glue them on sticks, and play puppets as the show is retold.
3. Draw a favorite scene from the movie, and older children can write a brief description of the plot and characters.
4. Older children can also use ThingLink.com for a creative way to discuss sequencing and details from the movie.
As you plan your next family night, remember that the time together doesn’t have to be strictly about sitting and watching a movie. These easy tips to interact with your family will help you have a memorable, educational night that will be a hit with the whole gang!
Since each family makes their own determination about which media content is suitable for their individual family members, parents are advised to preview the movie themselves before watching. Some movies may have content not suitable for the youngest audiences. Neither Vibrant Homeschooling or guest authors in the series will be held responsible for content that your family may or may not deem appropriate in these movies.
What are your favorite movie activities to do with your family?
How do you extend the learning once the movie is complete?
