Movies at preschool - how would you approach?

[Anonymous]

I revived an earlier movie thread but realized that it probably isn't totally relevant so I'm starting a new thread with my question.

DC's preschool does not often show movies. More than I would like since I think that movies really aren't necessary at all in preschool, but probably less than half a dozen times all year. To me, the problem is that as parents we don't find out in advance what they are watching, and better yet, have the opportunity to say that we don't want our kids watching. The movie they watched during Christmas week didn't please me, since I know my DC is particularly sensitive and was upset by it. Last week during the snow they watched a movie one day that I definitely think was not appropriate for 3 and 4yr olds. Had I known, I would have requested that my child not watch the movie and instead engage in an alternate activity during movie time.

Is this unreasonable of me?

[Anonymous]

They do this at my child's school too. They don't tell us in advance and I'm guessing there are times it happens that I don't even know about because my kid doesn't mention it. It doesn't really bother me. The movie room is a large room that the kids run around in - so I'm not sure how much sitting and watching really happens. Remember that if you ask your child do something else, then a teacher needs to be with them - which takes them away from the other kids.

[Anonymous]

i think for anyone to respond you have to tell us the titles at hand.

[Anonymous]

Curious what movies they are watching? I've found myself surprised at scary bits in kids movies. So far my three yo has only seen Cars, Cars 2 and Toy Story, and to be honest, the only one I'm fully comfortable with is Cars.

I would think its okay to say something, especially if your child has already shown a reaction to something he's seen.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Christmas time it was Frosty the Snowman. Not really a big one, except my DC was bothered by the guy who locked Frosty in the greenhouse and the little girl crying after he melted.

Most recently was Despicable Me 2. This is a PG movie and in my mind nothing that is appropriate at all for the preschool set.

[Anonymous]

Check out commonsensemedia.org. If the age they suggest is far of the kids' ages, then I would be inclined to write to the head of the preschool and tell them you are not happy about this. Ask them to be sure to check guidelines such as these for age appropriateness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check out commonsensemedia.org. If the age they suggest is far of the kids' ages, then I would be inclined to write to the head of the preschool and tell them you are not happy about this. Ask them to be sure to check guidelines such as these for age appropriateness.

*off

[Anonymous]

I would not have a problem with this. We saw Despicable Me 2 in the theater and DD (age 3.5) loved it. I don't think she's seen Frosty the Snowman, but I doubt she would be terribly bothered by it. That said, she's a tough kid who isn't scared by much. I know not all kids are like that.

If you have an issue with something your preschool is doing, I strongly encourage you to bring it up with the administration. Our (now former) private preschool had movie night very rarely and told us in advance when they were having it. If I'd objected to it, I'm sure they could have found something else for DD to do in the same room. As it was, there were plenty of kids playing in other areas of the room when I came to get her early one movie day. If it's scheduled in advance, I think they should tell you, and honestly, I agree that they shouldn't be showing movies that are not G without parental permission. I wouldn't mind, but I know other people would and the rule would be fine with me.

[Anonymous]

I have a problem with any preschool showing a PG movie, at all. Plenty of G movies and shows to choose from.

[Anonymous]

Why are preschools even showing movies? I am a preschool teacher and have never (in all the years I've been teaching) shown a movie to the kids. They are too busy playing, being engaged in learning, and doing things like art or music to have the time to sit to watch a movie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are preschools even showing movies? I am a preschool teacher and have never (in all the years I've been teaching) shown a movie to the kids. They are too busy playing, being engaged in learning, and doing things like art or music to have the time to sit to watch a movie.

My preschool did this as a special afternoon thing before vacations. It wasn't a regular thing any more than having birthday cake was a regular thing. The cake happened a lot more often than the movies.

[Anonymous]

I would not like this. Maybe once or twice a year, maybe.

[Anonymous]

Tell the teacher that you want to know about the movies before they are shown to your child. They can pick up the phone and call you. However they may not have another activity or supervision for your child, so you need to be prepared to go pick your kid up.

[Anonymous]

I would be fine with the occasional holiday movie (2-3 a year) but for snow days, I don't think it's necessary. Don't all preschools (and schools for that matter) have a room they can kind of clear out by pushing tables to the side and let the kids running around for an hour? Or just do extra hands-on art projects that let the kids get on their feet, get dirty, and make some noise? I mean, snow days don't have to involve sitting around all day.

[Anonymous]

Our preschool doesn't show movies. Why wouldn't they just let the kids play.