In today’s digital age, films and TV series are often a child’s first introduction to storytelling. While some parents may worry that screen time replaces reading, movies can actually be a powerful tool to spark a child’s love for stories, and eventually, books.
Films are visual storytelling at its finest.They introduce children to narrative structure - beginning, middle, and end - in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging. Through characters, conflict, and resolution, movies teach the basic elements of plot, setting, and theme. When children enjoy a story on screen, they’re more likely to be curious about similar stories in books.
Many films are based on books, and this provides a perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between watching and reading.For example, after enjoying a movie like Matilda, Harry Potter, or The BFG, a child may be more inclined to pick up the book to learn more about the characters or explore scenes that weren’t in the film. This kind of curiosity can lead to a deeper appreciation of literature and an eagerness to read.
Additionally, movies can help reluctant readers by giving them a foundation. If a child struggles with reading or finds books intimidating, watching a movie version of a story first can provide context and confidence. They already know what’s happening, which makes reading the book feel much less overwhelming. Film makers are aware of this and major movies often have publishing tie-ins with books of spin off stories anchored to the movie itself. Seeking these out can be a great way to help your child read for pleasure.
Films can also encourage important discussions about themes, morals, and emotions, just like books do. Watching amovie together as a family and then talking about it builds critical thinking and empathy - skills that are also developed through reading. When children begin to see the value in stories, no matter the format, they’re more open to exploring them in different ways, including through books.
Ultimately, films don’t need to be in competition with books. Instead, they can be a stepping stone - an engaging, accessible way to introduce children to the joys of storytelling. Using movies as a tool, parents and educators can help children build a lifelong love for stories, both on the screen and on the page. So the next time your child chooses Toy Story 2 over Treasure Island, don’t despair. Stories are stories, wherever you find them.
In today’s digital age, films and TV series are often a child’s first introduction to storytelling. While some parents may worry that screen time replaces reading, movies can actually be a powerful tool to spark a child’s love for stories, and eventually, books.
Films are visual storytelling at its finest.They introduce children to narrative structure - beginning, middle, and end - in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging. Through characters, conflict, and resolution, movies teach the basic elements of plot, setting, and theme. When children enjoy a story on screen, they’re more likely to be curious about similar stories in books.
Many films are based on books, and this provides a perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between watching and reading.For example, after enjoying a movie like Matilda, Harry Potter, or The BFG, a child may be more inclined to pick up the book to learn more about the characters or explore scenes that weren’t in the film. This kind of curiosity can lead to a deeper appreciation of literature and an eagerness to read.
Additionally, movies can help reluctant readers by giving them a foundation. If a child struggles with reading or finds books intimidating, watching a movie version of a story first can provide context and confidence. They already know what’s happening, which makes reading the book feel much less overwhelming. Film makers are aware of this and major movies often have publishing tie-ins with books of spin off stories anchored to the movie itself. Seeking these out can be a great way to help your child read for pleasure.
Films can also encourage important discussions about themes, morals, and emotions, just like books do. Watching amovie together as a family and then talking about it builds critical thinking and empathy - skills that are also developed through reading. When children begin to see the value in stories, no matter the format, they’re more open to exploring them in different ways, including through books.
Ultimately, films don’t need to be in competition with books. Instead, they can be a stepping stone - an engaging, accessible way to introduce children to the joys of storytelling. Using movies as a tool, parents and educators can help children build a lifelong love for stories, both on the screen and on the page. So the next time your child chooses Toy Story 2 over Treasure Island, don’t despair. Stories are stories, wherever you find them.