Your child loves movies and is always excited for movie night. Did you know movies can help with their development? It’s true. Movies are a terrific way to teach the lessons of life. The books you read to your toddler each night are great; however, some children learn better by visual aids. What’s a better visual aid than a movie? We’ve come up with a list of eight wonderfully entertaining movies that teach life lessons which your kindergartener will love.
Babe (1995)
He’s probably the second most-loved pig since Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web. Babe struggles to make his own path in life. For Babe, that’s something out of the ordinary: being a sheepdog.
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- Don’t be afraid to try new things.
- Believe that you can do anything you set your mind to.
Dumbo (1941)
A baby elephant is born in the circus. But this little guy has a harsh life dealing with ridicule over his ginormous ears. That is, until a mouse befriends Dumbo and helps him realize his full abilities.
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- You wouldn’t think a mouse and elephant would wind up being best friends. But this shows your small fry that anyone can end up being your best friend no matter where they’re from or who they are.
- Adults, as well as kids, are sometimes mean; but people are able to change if given the chance.
- Never be embarrassed by who you are and what makes you unique; everyone is different.
Toy Story 2 (1999)
This movie is one of the best educational animation movies out there. Woody finds out he’s part of a collector’s edition from a classic TV show. What do you know? He’s a celebrity! This sequel mixes a soul-searching theme with action and fantasy. Woody has to choose between fame and love.
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- Woody shows what it means to be loyal to family.
- Woody and Buzz show how valuable friendship really is.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
You watched this adored classic as a child and now you can share it with your little one too. The evil Queen becomes jealous when she’s told by her Magic Mirror that Snow White is the prettiest in the land. The Queen then banishes her to the forest. But Snow is saved by seven dwarfs who decide to take her into their home. If you’re concerned about the Queen scaring your toddler, remember there are lots of catchy tunes and laughs to chase the fears away.
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- Snow White shows that there is good in everyone.
- Never talk with or accept food from strangers.
- Don’t be jealous of others; it can be dangerous.
Doctor Dolittle (1998)
Most children would love it if they could really communicate with animals—and, sometimes, maybe adults would like it too! Dr. John Dolittle learns he can do just that which makes for a hilarious movie for all ages.
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- The key lesson in this movie is to be kind to animals.
- Obviously, animals can’t talk as we do. But if you really listen to and watch the animals, you can communicate with them.
Finding Nemo (2003)
When this movie was released, it didn’t take long for it to become one of the best family films. What’s more family-related than a movie about a dad searching for his lost boy?
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- The first few scenes plant the seed that it’s essential for children to obey their parents because there will always be dangers around them.
- Don’t take true friends for granted.
- Be fearless facing hardships in life.
The BFG (2016)
Steven Spielberg’s beautifully animated movie is packed with comedy and adventure. Sophie, an orphan, befriends a kind giant and he brings her to Giant Country. There, they go on an exciting escapade trying to thwart man-eating giants who are attacking the human world.
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- BFG is friendly and kind while giants are thought to be mean and lazy. So your tot will learn it’s important to give people a chance.
- Likewise, you shouldn’t judge people because of their looks.
- Never stop believing in your dreams because they can come true.
Mary Poppins (1964)
This original version is a timeless movie to add to your collection. It blends animation with live-action. Julie Andrews is the joyful, magical flying nanny, Mary Poppins, who is in charge of two neglected kids. Using adventure and good music, she helps them grow closer to their strict father. This film is riddled with terrific life lessons for your tyke; but we narrowed it down to a few significant ones.
Lessons for Your Preschooler:
- Put some fun into every job (or chore) you do. Why not make a game of putting the toys away?
- Sharing with people who have less than you is important.
- Be responsible for your own words and actions.
- Change isn’t always bad.
There are a plethora of life lesson movies for you and your kindergartener to explore. Some of them may even change your child’s behavior and help them be more sociable. Every movie can provide a different life lesson for your toddler and it’s a good idea to try to keep a balance of age-appropriate live-action movies with animated ones. You could even have a fun conversation about the movie afterward if you like. So why not curl up on the couch and enjoy one of these fantastic movies with your kindergartener this weekend?