Theme: More Than Just a Patient Film: Patch Adams PG-13 0:47
The true story of a heroic man, Hunter Patch Adams, determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. He ventured where no doctor had ventured before, using humor and pathos. Patch Adams is determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. Unfortunately, the medical and scientific community does not appreciate his methods of healing the sick, while the actual patients, medical professors, and hospital nurses all appreciate the work *he* can do, because they are unable to do it.
This 1998 film by Universal Studios, by Tom Shadyac is written by Hunter Doherty Adams and Maureen Mylander. It stars Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter.
Teaser Question: How can doctors sometimes make us feel like we are just another patient?
Going Deeper: Have you had an experience where you felt like a doctor or maybe even a teacher has made you feel like you were just another situation they had to handle?
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around". - Lou Buscaglia
"Caring is letting things matter to us, including other people". - Unknown
Theme: Changing Your Heart Film: Despicable Me PG 1:58
When a criminal mastermind uses a trio of orphan girls as pawns for a grand scheme, he finds their love is profoundly changing him for the better. In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru, planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.
This 2010 film by Universal Pictures is produced by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, and is written by Cinco Paul and Ken Dario. It stars the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, and Russell Brand.
Teaser Question: How can people make you change?
Going Deeper: Discuss how someone has changed how you felt about them in a positive way. What did they do that changed your mind or your opinion?
"One new perception, one fresh thought, one act of surrender, one change of heart, one leap of faith, can change your life forever". - Robert Holden
"A change of heart is the essence of all other change, and it has brought about me a reeducation of the mind". -Emmeline Pethrick-Laurence
Theme: Taking Care of Ourselves Film:Matilda PG 1:57
Story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius, and her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable. Matilda Wormwood is an exquisite and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, Matilda is misunderstood by her family because she is very different from their ways of life. As time passes, Matilda finally starts school that has a kindly teacher, loyal friends and a sadistic principal. As she gets fed up with the constant cruelty, Matilda begins to realize that she has a gift of telekinetic powers. After some days of practice, Matilda suddenly turns the tables to stand up to her parents and outwit the principal.
This 1996 TriStar Pictures production is directed by Danny Devito and is written by Roald Dahl and Nicholas Kazan. Its stars Danny Devito, Rhea Pearlman, and Mara Wilson.
Teaser Question: How many of you can cook your own meals?
Going Deeper: What are some things you have to do sometimes that you think you maybe shouldn't have to do at your age? Do you think things gets tougher or easier the older you get?
"The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself. " – Steve Maraboli
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. " – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Theme: Letting Others Care For You Film: Big Hero 6 PG 2:00
The special bond that develops between a plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. Baymax has been built to be a healthcare companion. He is designed to know how to help with over 10,000 medical procedures, but will Hiro let him?
This 2014 film by Walt Disney Animation Studios is directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams and is written by Jordan Roberts. Its stars the voices of Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung & T.J. Miller.
Teaser Question: When you don't feel good or something is wrong who do you go to?
Going Deeper: Do you allow others to help you when you need it? People at school? Teachers? Counselors? The Nurse?
"Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care." - Unknown
"Accepting help is its own kind of strength'. - Kiera Cass
Moving Students to Action: Keeping a Journal: 1. Of all of the movie clips, which was your favorite and why? 2. How can small efforts of showing we care about others make a big difference? 3. How can we influence others to be kind and care about others? 4. Describe a time that you truly felt cared for.
Activity 1: Clusters Performance Objective: To show students how people change groups in order to "get ahead"
Materials: -space for your group to move around
Teacher Instructions: 1. Have the group mill around, call out a number.
2. People have 30 seconds to be found in a group of that number.
3. If you called out 3 then groups of 2 or 4 will be eliminated.
4. Groups can steal a person from another group, or defend itself against an interloper who would attach and disqualify all of them.
Activity 2: Human Scrabble Performance Objective: To include all students in an effort to feel needed.
Materials: -paper 1 per person & 1 per group to write down words -markers -tape
Teacher Instructions: 1. Break the youth up into groups of about 10.
2. Give each person a sheet of paper, marker, and a piece of tape.
3. Have each person write a letter of the alphabet on the paper and tape it to the front of his or her shirt.
4. Now give each team a sheet of paper and tell the teams they have 4 minutes to come up with as many words as possible using the letters on their chests.
5. Minimum 3 letters per word. Give each team 2 points for each letter used and an additional 5 points extra if the use all the people in their group to form one word.