1. Use film to give my kids knowledge of great literature. The Shakespeare adaptations of Kenneth Branaugh, Masterpiece Theatre productions (especially Bleak House and Pride and Prejudice!), Depardieu’s Count of Monte Cristo (I had to read the subtitles out loud for the 5 year old but the whole family loved it!)

2. Use film to give my kids insight into other cultures. Kid friendly foreign titles we’ve enjoyed include Babbette’s Feast, The Secret of Roan Inish, everything put out by Studio Ghibli (especially Spirited Away!). As they get older I hope to do more with foreign film.

3. Use film to give my kids insight into the history of film, and by extension, American popular culture. Chaplin’s City Lights, for example, introduced them to silent film and also to the “roaring 20s.” We saw two versions of The Importance of Being Earnest (also satisfying criterion 1) to understand changing directorial styles and technology. Lots of great old hollywood movies out there (Arsenic and Old Lace was a favorite, as was North by Northwest and Bringing Up Baby. Carey Grant is irresistible for any age.)

These are just some examples from our family to yours! I should point out that we also watch movies just for fun. I wouldn’t have chosen A Night at the Museum or National Treasure 2 myself…

I hadn’t heard of it before, but it’s right up our alley, and similar to what we’re doing in our neck of the homeschooling world.