Core Skills Analysis
Language Arts
- Understanding the narrative structure of stories by watching a Disney movie, including elements like plot, characters, setting, and theme.
- Improving listening comprehension skills through attentive viewing of the movie dialogue and soundtrack.
- Expanding vocabulary associated with the movie’s context and craft-related terminology.
- Encouraging verbal or written expression by discussing or reflecting on the movie and the crafting activity.
Art
- Developing fine motor skills while creating a craft, which enhances hand-eye coordination.
- Understanding the creative process from planning to execution with hands-on materials.
- Expressing individuality and creativity inspired by themes or characters from the movie.
- Practicing patience and focus during a step-by-step craft-making experience.
Social Studies
- Experiencing community engagement by participating in a library event, reinforcing the importance of public spaces in learning.
- Understanding cultural storytelling traditions reflected in Disney movies, which often draw on folklore and history.
- Learning social skills such as sharing snacks and interacting respectfully in a group setting.
- Observing how public resources like libraries enrich children’s educational and recreational experiences.
Tips
To extend the learning from watching a Disney movie and making a craft, encourage the student to retell the story or create a new ending in their own words, perhaps through drawing or writing. Organize a small group discussion or a show-and-tell where students share their crafts and what they learned from the movie’s themes. Try incorporating related STEM activities, such as building simple mechanics behind a character’s movement or exploring the science behind colors used in the craft. Finally, visit the library regularly to explore other creative programs, fostering a love for community learning and literacy.
Book Recommendations
- The Art of Disney: The Golden Age (1937-1961) by Christopher Finch: Explores Disney's classic films and the creative process behind them, perfect for illuminating the art inspiration behind the movie and craft experience.
- Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen: A charming story about the importance of libraries in communities, reinforcing the setting of the movie event.
- The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds: A story that inspires creativity and self-expression, perfect to complement the crafting aspect of the activity.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3: Identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.2: Confirm understanding of a text read aloud by asking and answering questions.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.3: Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts.
- Fine Arts Standard: Develop artistic skills through a variety of media and materials (National Core Arts Standards – Creating).
- Social Studies Standard: Understand the importance of community institutions and cultural storytelling (NCSS Theme 1: Culture; Theme 10: Civic Ideals and Practices).
Try This Next
- Create a movie storyboard worksheet where the student sketches key scenes and writes simple captions.
- Design a craft reflection journal for writing or drawing about the materials used and what inspired their creation.