Books and Movies

If a book has been published, there's a very good chance that a movie has been made based on. It could be as an animated film or a life version. There might even be a documentary that was made to go with the book. If the book you are reading happens to have this form of media that accompanies it, take advantage of it and incorporate into your child's reading program.

It almost sounds counterproductive to bring a movie into a reading program. Truthfully, when done properly this can ignite interest in reading and also help reinforce what the child has read. Reading about Old Yeller and then watching the movie helps the child understand what they have read. They will be more open to discussing the topic. The movie even challenges them to think back on the book and point out the differences.

Many times, a child forgets things as they read or misunderstand what the author intended. When you incorporate a movie after the child has read a book, you give them the chance to really dwell on what the author wrote. Questions that they might have had in the back of their mind as they were reading are more likely to come out into the open and be talked about if they watch a movie on it.

Bringing movies into the reading program also helps stimulate the child's visual learning and can drive them back to the book to look up certain scenes verifying the actions or the dialogue. If the book is really interesting to the child, any discrepancies between the movie and the book could become a very deep conversation as to why they can occur. This is also a great opportunity to show a child that though a movie can be wonderful, entertaining, and expand our knowledge of the book, it is very limited to what it can display and present to the audience. A book has almost an unlimited capacity to make the story come alive.

This is not only true for children's books. Adults get the same thing. Many novels are turned in to movies. The majority of people like to read the book first and then watch them file. Hours of discussion can follow as they pick through it and explain how disappointed they were that certain scenes were missed or changed. They can also discuss how they were impressed with the way the filmmakers brought scenes to life or gave the characters such depth. All ages can enhance their reading with the addition of movies.

If your child is reading The Chronicles of Narnia, this is a golden opportunity to be able to see a modern-day version of the story. After they have read the first two books of the series, set down with them and watch The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. As many aspects of the first book were referenced visually or through a few phrases in this movie, it is a great time to talk about how they were presented in the movie and why. The children get to see Lucy's amazement of Narnia. You get to talk with your child about how it felt to have read about Edmonds betrayal and then to watch it on the screen. Discuss with your child how they envisioned events and people as they read the book and then how it compared to what they saw in the film. Reading comprehension is enhanced. The ability to take the written word to form images within the mind is built upon.

Do not let movies replace books. Use them to enhance the reading, reinforce the reading, and help open discussion about the story. Use movies as tools in your child's reading program. You might be amazed at how it influences your child to pick up more books and explore new worlds.