Check out a special list of films to watch over spring break from Facets’ Education Director, Kathleen Beckman. 

Spring break is here, despite the COVID-19 pandemic keeping most of us sheltered in place. 

To help families stay connected, creative, and engaged with thoughtful films and television, our Education Director, Kathleen Beckman, has put together a special list of films to watch and discuss with your kids. 

Each selection includes Kathleen’s unique take on the film along with questions and activities designed to dig deeper into learning themes that address the personal, cultural, and production aspects of a film. 

(1)  Sherlock Jr.  AGES 7+ 

Directed by Buster Keaton, USA, 44 mins. 

Buster Keaton’s character learns how to be a detective in Sherlock Jr. (1924), MGM. 

One of Buster Keaton’s comedic masterpieces, Sherlock Jr. (1924) is about a film projectionist and amateur detective whose sleuthing skills are put to the test when he’s accused of stealing a pocket watch from his girlfriend’s wealthy father. What for free on Archive.org 

Kathleen’s Take 

Sherlock Jr. is a perfect introduction to silent film and a must-see for film lovers of all ages. We watch it at our Film 101 summer camp to show kids and teens how rich film history is. This film was made almost 100 years ago, and its humor is still fresh. And Buster Keaton does all his own stunts! My personal favorite is the “motorcycle” gag. 

Questions for Discussion and Learning 

• The clever “gags” used throughout the film require lots of planning, practice, and special camera tricks. What are your 3 favorite gags and how do you think the filmmakers pulled them off? 
• Money is a key theme in the film – in film criticism these key themes are called motifs. Can you explain how Buster Keaton’s character uses the money motif to create funny situations? 
• We can always find personal connections to the films we watch. Could you write, draw, or describe a time when you worked hard and practiced a new skill?

(2)  Wapos Bay (TV Series) AGES 8+

Created by Dennis Jackson, Canada, 24 min. episodes 

The cast of Wapos Bay (2005-2011), National Film Board of Canada. 

Wapos Bay (2005-2011) is an award-winning TV series that follows the adventures of four children as they explore their remote Cree community in Saskatchewan, Canada. Rent on Amazon Prime 

Kathleen’s Take 

Wapos Bay is super binge-worthy! The characters are relatable, the stop motion animation is great, and the episodes are touching and hilarious. We also get the opportunity to learn about Cree culture, history, and language, which is subtly woven into each episode. My favorites are “Hardest Lesson” (an award winner at Facets’ Chicago International Children’s Film Festival), “A Time for Pride,” and “Raven Power.” 

Questions for Discussion and Learning 

• Pick a favorite episode and answer these questions: What is the ‘message’ of this episode? What did you learn or understand by the end? What ‘connections’ did you make to your own life? 
• Most of the characters are from the indigenous Cree culture of the North American plains. Can you describe 3 Cree cultural traditions you’ve learned from the show? What cultural traditions does your family have? 

Little Lunch (TV Series) AGES 8+

Created by Wayne Hope and Robyn Butler, Australia, 13 min. episodes 

Students do yoga in Little Lunch “Windy Day” (2015), Australian Children’s Television Foundation. 

Based on a successful Australian children’s book series, Little Lunch (2015-2016) is a hilarious mockumentary about a 5th grade classroom and their adventures at afternoon recess and snack time. Watch for free on YouTube 

Kathleen’s Take 

Dare I say Little Lunch is The Office, but for kids? Yes, I dare! With its clever and funny situations, and wacky and relatable characters, Little Lunch offers a welcome break to the day that is hilarious, but also touching. Multiple episodes have screened at our Festival and “The Principal’s Office” and “The Halloween Story” took home 1^st prize awards. 

Try this Activity 

Let’s pretend you’re a writer for a new Little Lunch episode. 

• Start off by thinking about how the characters and situations in Little Lunch that remind you of your own experiences. Do any of the characters remind you of yourself or any people you know?  If so, what are the similarities and differences?  
• Then think of silly things that have happened in your classroom and write a short description of the episode (we call this a ‘treatment’ in the film biz). How would you change or modify your real experiences for the characters in the show? What lesson can your audience learn by the end of the episode? 

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