Books to film, and the learning is engaging

It’s summertime. The pace has slowed down, partially because it’s too hot to move too quickly but more so because school’s out, people are away, and life has generally taken on a slightly more civilized tempo.

But it’s a time of learning loss as well.

One recent rainy sultry Saturday, we went to the movies. During the previews, I was reminded just how many films are adapted from books.

A movie of City of Ember (opens in a new window) (Random), the first book in a series by Jean DuPrau, is forthcoming. Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (opens in a new window) (Picture House/New Line), based on the ever-popular American Girl series, is already out.

Scheduled for the fall is the movie version of Kate DiCamillo’s fantasy, The Tale of Desperaux (opens in a new window) (Candlewick) as is the most recent of the Harry Potters (opens in a new window) (Scholastic).

These are just a few adaptations from books for young people.

Watching movies and television shows for children may be just the ticket to encourage reading. There are lots of ideas out there.

A website called F.I.L.M. (Finding Inspiration in Literature & Film) (opens in a new window) provides ready-made ideas for content — for parents as well as teachers. The approach is adaptable for any age child.

The whole notion of using media, books, and activities is not a new one. Ready To Learn (opens in a new window), a PBS model that uses television programs, books, and activities to encourage young children’s learning, has been around for some years.

Building out themes from movies or TV shows, reading about the ideas presented (or the book from which the program is based), and accompanying it by some kind of fun activity is a great way to learn.

So, sit back and relax and maybe grab a bag of popcorn!