Movies can do a lot. They make us laugh and cry as well as teach us. Social and emotional issues are at the heart of many films. It opens possibilities for education and enables teachers to use the power of cinema to raise students. Such a simple thing as watching a decent movie at the right time can solve challenging issues. Read on to find the list of the most precious SEL movies to show pupils in the classroom.
1. Inside Out (2015)
The plot of this animated film introduces us to a girl named Riley and her inner world. Riley has a father and a mother. She goes to school like all children her age. However, her head is a living place for memories and five emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Squeamishness. Each emotion has its color and character.
All the feelings help the girl make decisions and shape her personality in a way. “Inside Out” is so deep and bright that it is often analyzed. To better understand the meaning of this film, you can check an example of inside out essay and evaluate the opinions of other viewers. Such a step is particularly useful for students who are learning to write essays and would like to improve their writing skills and learn a proper structure for a college paper.
Sometimes emotions get along, sometimes, they don’t. However, when it comes to important events, they will have to learn to work together. Riley faces a difficult stage in life. How will she cope with it? While watching the film, children realize that positive and negative emotions are equally essential for a person. Viewers also learn to understand themselves better and feel their inner states.
2. Turning Red (2022)
13-year-old Meilin “Mei” Lee is in the spotlight. The girl grows up in a religious family and tries to be right and good. Mei has a rigorous and controlling mother, Ming, who demands much and doesn’t let her daughter enough space. Every so often, a mother shames Mei for liking boys or for inappropriate interests. One day, the girl’s shame and anger become so strong that she turns into a red panda.
It’s one of the movies that teaches social skills. All the film’s events are symbolic and describe a period of growing up in girls’ lives. No matter how overprotective parents are, one day, you must separate and find your way in this life. The film’s events show how Mei’s stealth is replaced by courage and acceptance.
3. Wonder (2017)
This drama will move you to tears and show you the problems of family and school. The leading character of the movie is August “Auggie” Pullman. He is only ten years old but has already undergone many trials. The boy has a rare medical facial deformity. Because of this, he studied at home for a long time. But one day, his life changes dramatically. After all, his parents decided he should attend a regular school.
We see how challenging it is for a child with special needs to go through and how difficult it is for society to accept someone who looks different. Auggie tries to find ways to stop bullying, and he succeeds only after a long time. The film also raises the issue of sibling relationships. Auggie’s sister, Via, is jealous of her parents because they pay more attention to her brother. However, she will also have to go through a transformative experience. The movie is finished with the brilliant quote: “Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle. And if you really want to see what people are, all you have to do is look”.
4. Horton Hears a Who (2008)
The next one on our list of movies for the classroom is an adventure comedy film Horton Hears a Who. It is based on a book by Dr. Seuss and tells us about the kind elephant, Horton. One day, he finds an unusual flower with the entire city of Whoville inside.
The inhabitants of the city are frightened because they suffer from natural disasters. To continue to live everyday life, they need to plant the flower in a quiet and safe place.
The only hope for these people is the elephant, Horton. He can take the plant to the top of the mountain and save Whoville. But there are many obstacles in his way. An angry and grumpy kangaroo, Sour tries and rouses the inhabitants of the jungle against Horton, saying he’s crazy. Can the elephant overcome all obstacles and prove he is right?
5. Zootopia (2016)
At the film’s beginning, we get acquainted with the city called Zootropolis. Residents live in different areas, just like humans. The story occurs when a new police officer, Judy Hopps, arrives in town. Because she is small and fluffy, many colleagues and management do not take her seriously. Judy wants to prove her qualifications and goes on a risky business.
Her partner will be a chatty sly fox, Nick Wilde. Together, they must find Emmitt, one of fourteen missing mammals. The movie unveils a sad lesson about how prejudice may harm individuals and how it can be overcome. It’s one of the movies that teaches respect and equality. And it does all of this in a very entertaining way.
6. Encanto (2021)
In the center of the story is the Colombian family of the Madrigals. All members have some magical gift. Only a girl, Mirabel, was left without supernatural powers. The family had to flee their homeland at one time, but they were saved by magic. Grandma Alma has a magical candle around which an entire city called Casita has arisen.
Life of the Madrigals is only perfect at first sight. Mirabel’s sister does not want to marry, and Alma requires too much from girls. The walls of the city crack, and magic is threatened. Then Mirabel understands that it is necessary to act. Encanto is a story about family relationships and values. It teaches viewers that understanding and love should be the basis of any miracle.
Conclusion
How to tell about complex things easily and reach the heart of every student? Without touching and kind movies, it would not be easy. All of these films will help you improve the children’s social skills and develop empathy in them. We hope that in our selection, there will be a perfect movie for you.
