I take advantage of teachable moments whenever I can find them. I think that they can come in many avenues, including life experience, circumstances, and even movies! Over the weekend, my daughter and I enjoyed a mommy/daughter movie night with the new Disney Planes film. My daughter is in this inquisitive phase where she talks and asks questions throughout the entirety of movies, but it’s just because she is truly pondering the movie and what is happening to the characters. She was no different during this movie, and I took the opportunity to discuss with her the underlying teachable moment of Disney Planes: Courage.
I was surprised at how many times the main plane character, Dusty, displayed courage in the movie. My daughter and I found eight instances that we caught where Dusty showed courage in different situations and under various circumstances. Throughout the film, we played an ‘I Spy’ type of game where we would point out examples of courage in the film. I then took each example and talked about it in depth with my daughter pertaining to what each instance meant to her. Here are our Teachable Moment Talking Points (as well as a pic of us on our movie night!)
- Dusty had the courage to approach another plane who was known for being ‘unapproachable– Even as an adult, this concept of courage can be difficult to grasp. As the old saying goes, “You don’t know if you don’t ask”. I encouraged my daughter to always have the courage to talk to her teachers and adult leaders that are in her life and not to be afraid to ask questions.
- Dusty had the courage to admit that he is a plane who is afraid of heights– This one is pretty obvious. Always have the courage to tell the truth.
- Dusty learned many new concepts and skills in order to win the race– Staying within our comfort zones is easy. Learning something new requires courage!
- Dusty helped another plane who was in distress, even though this act put Dusty in last place in the race– Personally, this is strong moral that I want to teach all my children. Laying aside our own desires to help others in need is one of the most courageous things any human can do.
- Dusty had the courage to stand up to a friend– Appropriately handling conflict is difficult at any age, but it is especially so for preschoolers. There is always a struggle between losing the friendship and clearing the air between two friends when someone feels wronged. However, it is a life skill that needs to be instilled in children. And it definitely takes courage!
- After an accident, Dusty had to accept help from his friends in order to repair his plane and finish the race- Sometimes, accepting help is just plain hard. I have a hard headed daughter with a strong independent streak. She doesn’t like acknowledging that she needs help oftentimes. This particular point in the movie provided us a great moment to discuss how awesome it was that Dusty accepted help when he needed it most.
- Dusty stood up to a ‘bully’ plane– ‘Nuff said!
- Dusty entered a race even though he was not the ‘usual’ type of plane who flew races– I want my daughter to have the courage to be strive to any goals that she may have, regardless of any preconceived notions concerning that goal. Dusty had the courage to break out of the box and out of the mold to try something new (a cropduster flying in a race!). This is the primary underlying theme of the movie, and it comes through loud and clear. My daughter and I talked about having the courage to ‘Be Yourself’ in a world of molds and boxes.
Be sure to begin the conversation with your child by defining courage. For my preschooler, I know that she understands what being brave means. I explained to her that courage is simply bravery in action. She wrote the word courage for me in the following picture while we talked about having courage and being brave.
It’s awesome to be able to find a children’ movie with this many Teachable Moments interlaced throughout the film. Available to Own it on Blu-ray Combo Pack & Digital HD on November 19 by purchasing it at Walmart, I think this movie would make an excellent present or stocking stuffer for any child in your life. The DVD also comes with awesome special features. Find Disney Planes activities to continue the movie fun on the Disney Planes Pinterest Page!
I really want to see Planes! We have some of the toys but haven’t seen the movie yet. I liked how in Cars, there were definitely underlying teachable messages too, like that helping a friend is more important than winning and that in the long run, cheating doesn’t pay.
My daughter hasn’t seen Cars- we may need to rent that one!
I love all the lessons that you taught your daughter through the movie. I had no idea there were this many lessons, but I’m definitely buying the movie so my boy and I can watch it over and over. He is at the perfect age (5) to learn more about courage! #client
I was shocked to find this many myself! Thanks, Janet!
My boys love the Cars movie and I am sure they would love Disney planes as well. Much better than some of the shows on TV these days. Love the positive underlying messages!
It’s difficult to find even a good kids’ show on TV these days! Thanks!
I haven’t seen it yet, but I hear Planes is great! Gotta love Disney movies for having great lessons in them as well!
I know! Thanks for stopping by!
Yay for Disney movies teaching such great lessons – I still need to see this.
This sounds like such an awesome movie – I can’t wait to watch it with my son!
I’m a huge Disney & Pixar fan… even without kids! I love that you used this to create a teachable moment. Some of the most impactful life lessons I learned as a child came out of teaching moments like this!
I surprised myself with how many we found in the film! 🙂
Adorable!!
I really love how you turned a fun Disney movie into a learning experience! That is the best of both worlds. 🙂
So the first/only time we saw planes was at the drive-in movie… and our pickup died… and my hubby had to come jump it in the process (super brilliant I sometimes am)… so it goes without saying that we could seriously afford to see Planes again! I love your statement on Courage- so cool! Awesome post, Melanie! 🙂
Oh, my! Yes, I think you need to give the movie another go!!
Disney has the best movies. Seriously. Great post.
Very cute way to teach a lesson.
We live on Cars in this house, so we’ll definitely be getting this movie for Christmas!
It will make a great gift or stocking stuffer!
We have not yet seen this movie but really want to – we love Disney and Pixar! I loved that you used the film as a teachable moment!
Thanks!
What a great idea! I love that you took her natural inquisitiveness and turned into a teaching moment!
Melanie what a great way to take a fun movie and include great lessons about courage! You are an amazing mom and woman!
We just watches Cars for the first time last month – I’d love to see this one too!! Putting it on the Christmas list now!
What a cool way to display courage! I loved Cars so I’m sure I’d love Planes. Can’t wait to watch it!
What a great way to make watching a movie an interactive (and educational) experience with your kiddo! I love how you get your kids involved in nearly ever facet of your life, Melanie. You’re an awesome mom!
Aww..thanks for the compliment!