An American Tail

family movies, family videos, family films

Intentional Parenting Family Movies

Talking and Playing for Growth with . . .


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Subjects: U.S./1865 - 1913; Diversity & New York; Religions/Judaism;

Social-Emotional Learning --- Friendship;

Moral-Ethical Emphasis --- Respect; Caring.

At a Glance --- Age: 6 - 8; MPAA Rating -- G; Animated; 1986; 77 minutes; Color. For children ages 9 & 10, see Learning Guide to this movie.

This animation classic takes place in 1885. Fievel Mousekewitz and his family are emigrating from Russia to the United States. Their trials and triumphs are similar to those experienced by the the millions of European immigrants who came to the U.S. between 1880 and 1924. "An American Tail" introduces the concept of immigration and some of the difficulties that migrants face in a new land. For children whose families trace their origins to Eastern Europe, the film can serve as an introduction to their heritage.

Guides to Talking and Playing for Growth show parents and teachers how to use family movies to foster verbal development, social-emotional learning, and character education in children ages 5 - 8.

Every Guide to Talking and Playing for Growth provides film-related discussion prompts and games. Each Guide includes a story related to the themes of the movie. Designed by the creators of TeachWithMovies.com, in conjunction with Dr. Betty Bardige, Ed.D., the Guides make watching movies more than just entertainment.

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For a more complete explanation of how to use movies to foster development through talk and play, see Ideas for Talking and Playing Using Family Movies. Babysitters can better serve their charges by talking with children about the movies children watch and organizing games based on situations in the films. See How Babysitters Can Enhance Verbal Development and Social-Emotional Learning.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against putting children age 2 or younger in front of a screen. For children 3 and above it recommends no more than 1 to 2 hours of educational, nonviolent programs each day. For these children family movies are a great way for intentional parents to use entertainment to enhance a child's verbal skills, social and emotional learning and character education.

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