Read the Book & Watch the Movie

One way to explore literature at a deeper  level is to read a classic book and when everyone is finished reading the book, to watch the movie. 

I love classic literature! My book shelves are filled with classics that have been loved by many generations. I always look for ways to enjoy literature with my children and to dig a little deeper. 

We have found that discussing books in a book club type atmosphere is a great way to dig deeply into a work of literature. (You can read my blog post, Book Clubs Instead of Book Reports or listen my podcast Book Clubs Instead of Book Reports). 

Another way we have explored literature at a deeper level is to read the book and watch the movie. Next, comes the discussion part. We figure out all the ways the book and the movie are different. There is always so much to discover. Movie producers and screenwriters often make massive changes to reach their audience. 

Once we have our list of differences between the book and the movie, we discuss them. Which do we like better: the original book or the movie changes?

I have chosen 4 books that are fine works of classic literature. Each of them also have movies that are wholesome fun for the whole family to enjoy. 

Heidi by Johanna Spyri was written in 1880 and is set in Switzerland. Orphaned, she goes to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps where her charming ways win love and affection. Relatives become appalled by the sparse conditions she lives in with her Grandfather, so she is sent to Frankfort, Germany where she lives with her cousin, meeting Clara and her grandmother who leads her to Christ. 

Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter is set in America at the turn of the century. Orphaned, she is sent to live with her Aunt Polly . She turns the town upside=down with her sunny disposition. The movie is just as sweet as the book. It was produced in the 1960s. 

Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers is set in turn-of-the-century England. She is a nanny that comes to get the family back together. You will love the movie, too with all the enchanting adventures Mary takes the children on including drinking tea upside-down. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is another classic book that introduces the reader to a magical car and the magical adventures in that car. The movie is quite fun, too! 

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​Pollyanna

Pollyanna by Eleanor Porter is an American classic about an orphaned missionary's daughter who delights the town of Harrington with the Glad Game. You can read Pollyanna and then watch the movie Pollyanna. 

Heidi

Heidi was one of my favorite books growing up. I loved the way that Heidi impacted the people in her world. You can read the book Heidi and watch the the classic movie version Heidi. 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

This is a fun story and movie. It's a great story to curl up and listen to and watch. You can read the book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming or watch the movie ​Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is a British classic enjoyed by children for almost a century. You can read Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers and watch Mary Poppins Dvd. 

And if you want to dress up as Mary Poppins, put on a white blouse, black shirt, and your very own Mary Poppins hat. 

FREE Reading Lists for All Ages

We love reading classics and living books in our house and whenever we speak to homeschooling families, we encourage them to read, read, read.. We have free reading lists for all ages here. You can download them or just bookmark the page. 

One of the best things parents can do is to read aloud to their children. Choose beautifully, illustrated, well-written picture books that capture the interest of your little ones. Reading aloud gets children ready to read and helps readers to be stronger readers. We have reading lists for reading aloud here.

After children learn to sound out words, they need to read lots and lots of fun, easy-to-understand books. The more they read, the more their reading will improve.  If they like a series, like the Boxcar Children, let them read all the books in the series. Children are often drawn to a book because of a character. Your goal now is to increase reading skills: fluency, speed, comprehension. We have reading lists for new readers here.

Once children can read, it’s time to read classic books that are well-written and share a timeless message. Don’t bog children down with writing book reports. Let them read, read, read! Reading builds vocabulary and learning skills. We have reading lists for children here. 

We also have reading lists for pre-teens, teens, and adults. You can download them here. 

Until next time, Happy Homeschooling! 

Warmly, 
​Meredith Curtis

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