A movie trailer is the "show biz" term for the movie commercials that air before films in the theater. Watching movie trailers is one of the most fun and easy ways to learn about upcoming animated movies and live-action films that you and your kids may enjoy. Sometimes movie trailers can be action-packed, while others are more story-based. Still others go for attention-grabbing simplicity. When you see movie trailers, here are some simply ways to turn them into teaching moments for your child.
Ask: What Would You Do?
Oftentimes upcoming animated films are shown with a comedic situation at the heart of the trailers. For example, an animated film may show the dilemma a bird is faced when trying to stop someone who is chasing it. You can ask your kids what they would do in this situation, then talk about potential outcomes. It can help them start critically thinking about what they would do in certain situations that they face in real life, too.
Talk About Facts Related to the Trailer
Movie trailers often showcase fictional worlds that are set in historical times. When you see a commercial for an upcoming war drama, you may be moved to start talking about what really went on in such a war. Seeing a movie trailer about a historical time period can pique a child's interest in it, which you can then use to get their attention to discuss real history of the time period.
Take Turns Naming Other Related Films
Most movies have a lot in common with other films that have been created. Start this game by telling your kids what movie that the trailer most reminded you of during the viewing. For example, you may opt to talk about another movie set in the same fictional world, or you can talk about why a movie with a certain voice actor reminds you of another film the person did. That opens up the discussion to voice-over acting and the many jobs that go into filmmaking.
Finally, keep in mind that movie trailers are often enjoyed so much that people make an effort to get to the theater early so that they don't miss a single film commercial. Engaging the imaginations of your kids when they see movie trailers can help them appreciate both the commercials and the films that they are based on. They just may carry on some of these traditions with their own little ones someday.
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