December 16, 2023

Quote of the Week

"Stories are a communal currency of humanity." - Tahir Shah

How Movies Can Help Children Find Meaning In Life

Most children love stories. Stories are entertaining and fun, but can they be more than just fun? Findings from a new study led by one of us (Rebecca de Leeuw) indicate that stories in movies can also be meaningful for children.

This study interviewed children between 4 and 15 years old after they watched the Disney • Pixar film Inside Out. This film takes place predominantly in the head of an 11-year-old girl, where her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, personified as different characters—conflict on how to help her best in her new life after her family moves. When making this film, the filmmakers had extensive consultations with psychologists, including GGSC founding director Dacher Keltner, to make the emotion animations consistent with scientific knowledge.

The research team chose this film because the story follows the “hero’s journey”—a classical narrative framework that has been applied in many famous stories from all over the world. The hero’s journey involves a hero who goes on an adventure, overcomes challenges, and returns changed. [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: Meatball's Mixed-Up Moods

By: Cathy Longano

Ages: 4-8

Meatball is a sweet, loving, and energetic pug that goes on an emotional roller coaster one day during a playdate with his best friend, Rocco. During his playdate, he experiences a range of emotions that include excitement, frustration, anger, and empathy, when the two pups have a disagreement that leads to a fight. Meatball soon realizes the importance of making good choices, and learns a valuable lesson on forgiveness, kindness, and friendship.

Be the Change

Here's a cool list of children's books that were adapted into movies. Pick one story/movie this week for your child. Reflect on the subtle lessons that emerged through the experience of travelling the adventure of the 'hero's journey'.