Films by season & age - A New Home (Ages 5-8)

Seasons are a great way to explore different ideas through watching a group of films. Why not try watching all the films in a season and make some time for discussion. Topics and discussion points are included.

There’s not much in life that can cause mixed feelings like a new home. Hopefully, you’ll be excited at the thought of all the new experiences you’re going to have, the new sights you’ll get to see, and the new friends you’re going to make. But no-one would blame you if you were also a little scared. Almost all of us have felt that same mix of emotions when we’re preparing for a fresh start - whether it’s at a new school, in a new flat or house, or even moving to a new country.

So here at FilmClub, we’re happy to present a season of great movies based on the idea of new homes. The situations the characters find themselves in are all very different – from Woody the toy cowboy trying to keep hold of his owner Andy’s attention before a house movie in Toy Story, to Babe the talking pig getting used to life at Hoggett Farm. But in most cases, you’ll find the hero or heroine’s feelings are the same: excitement, uncertainty, and nerves. So remember – if you’re about to make some kind of new start (or if you just have), you’re not alone!

SUGGESTED PAIR

In My Neighbour Totoro, two young sisters move to the Japanese countryside, where they meet a giant, loveable “forest spirit” who helps them adjust to their new life. In The Railway Children, there are three children who have to leave London for the country in the early 1900s – and then rely on each other and the help of a friendly grown-up who they see onboard a passing train.

TALKING POINTS

Could you relate to the characters in the movie? Have you ever felt nervous about making a new start yourself? Even when they were having problems getting used to their new surroundings, do you think the characters in the movie were better off there than in their old ones?