It’s drizzly weather, but the kids need something to do. Show them a thought-provoking classic movie. Afterwards, talk about what they saw–what went on and why–and relate it to real people in real situations today. Encourage questions and reactions. “Could some kid I know face going to prison for killing his dad?” (Twelve Angry Men). “But poor people today can get jobs and not have people disrespect them” (Grapes of Wrath). “How dumb! People can’t be accused of stuff just because of their color!” (To Kill a Mockingbird). Find these films at the public library. Scan the television guides, Netflix, Hulu, On Demand, etc. for others: Ox Bow Incident and Diary of Anne Frank show up often. Check video rental stores for The Hiding Place or Schindler’s List. Your friends who are movie buffs probably have a film they’d recommend and even lend you. Gather the kids and start the movie.
Now, where did I put that bowl of popcorn?