Learning With Films: Disneynature’s Oceans

 

Credit: Disneynature

The past few months we have visited as a family three aquariums and the kiddos have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different sealife that surrounds our beautiful coastline. A few months back I remember reading an article in a parenting magazine about reinforcing learning through films. It was a fascinating article and I can now kick myself for not writing down the name/title and for not keeping it. One of the suggestions was after say a trip to the aquarium, zoo, etc.. to sit down and watch as a family and watch a film about the specific animals you encountered. We put this to the test two weeks ago and let me tell you my son was on the edge of his seat and excited as could be.

We decided to watch Disney’s Oceans. It is really a great film for the entire family. The documentary was released on Earth Day 2010 on IMAX screens and I almost want to kick myself for not watching on the big screen. The film was filmed in over 50 locations and took almost 4 years to make. It features every kind of ocean animal imaginable. The film is breathtakingly beautiful and even my 5 year old was able to appreciate the beauty and quality filmmaking. He loved every second of it and asked questions throughout the entire film and also provided a running commentary. I think he really enjoyed being able to connect what he learned at the aquariums to what was going on in the film. If you haven’t seen this film, I highly recommend it. If you’ve already seen it, watch again after that trip to the aquarium.

I also downloaded the educators guide here. This is a great resource for homeschooling parents or for those of you that simply want to expand your children’s learning.

We will be heading to the San Diego Zoo next month and just in time for Disneynature’s newest release, Chimpanzee which will open nationwide on Earth Day, April 20th, 2012. I cant’ wait to watch it. I’m hoping to get a group together to watch the film on IMAX.