![]() ![]() Be sure to watch with your kids because you will enjoy it just as much as they will.The history of cinema is fascinating when journeying back to its origins, illustrating how much has changed over the course of time. So there you have it, plenty of reasons to let your kids have a little extra screen time. ![]() We have watched some clips, though, like the factory scene from Modern Times (1936). You may be surprised to hear we have yet to watch a full-length Charlie Chaplin movie. Although your kids may appreciate the prat falls of Keaton more so than they recognize the genius innovation of Méliès, they will at least recognize the iconic image of a moon with a rocket in its eye. This short film is an absolute must for any silent film watcher. This 20 minute film is hilarious! Even though we knew Laurel and Hardy were not actually going to plummet off the top of a construction site, all of us were holding our breath! You alternate between biting your nails, laughing and gasping in fear! It's like a ride on a roller coaster! Exhilarating!Ī Trip to the Moon (1902) by Georges Méliès We've watched so many Buster Keaton movies I'm not picking a favorite! This is the one we most recently watched together. When we saw it on the big screen we ( along with everyone else in the movie theater) were audibly gasping! This might be my youngest son's favorite. Here are a few of our favorite silent films to date: In addition, many old films are much shorter than today's feature films. Which Silent Movies to Watch?Įven if you don't want to commit to a full-length film, watching clips of famous movie scenes is fun, too. You want to raise critical thinkers, right? Ignoring the offense only perpetuates the damage. Instead of staying quiet and hoping my kids don't notice ( they all do) I always use these as teachable moments and encourage you to do the same. Gender stereotypes run rampant and too many of the films include racial stereotypes as well. Sometimes these movies have behaviors that make you cringe. However, to combat the after-tech tantrums, be sure to use this technique!Ī caveat. I find that the effects on my kids' brains is not quite as severe after watching an old movie that engages their imagination and requires more effort to watch than, say, a Netflix kids' show. ![]() In fact some of the same skills kids use in reading comprehension are the ones they are putting to good use when they watch a silent film. Even if they don't mention it, kids are also getting a lesson in how music informs the action in the film. It feels more theatrical than a contemporary film. Watching a silent movie is an immersive experience. Sure it's over the top, but characters express fear, wonder, confusion, love with their whole bodies. The relative lack of dialogue means that their attention is keyed up to the action–can't look away or you will miss something! Without sound, they focus on the faces and emotions. My kids love the physical slap-stick comedy of geniuses like Keaton, Chaplin and Lloyd. Why should a silent film be your next pick for family movie night? Why You Should Watch Silent Films with Kids That's when I realized that watching old silent comedy films with my kids was the bee's knees. The first silent movie we saw together was Harold Lloyd's Safety Last on the big screen. It's the only time I envy all those families with big flat screens. Since we threw out our television, we watch on the laptop. Even though I limit screen time with my kids I love to show them silent movies. I decided we would watch Buster Keaton's 1924 film, Sherlock, Jr.Īnd he loved it. He was expecting to watch something on Netflix. One day a few weeks ago my son was at it again. When your kids ask for screen time, exactly how much begging can you take before you give in? 2 minutes? 10? Do you hold your ground despite their determination to wear you down? I've developed a thick skin during my career as " the mean mom who limits screen time," so my kids know I mean business but that doesn't stop them, especially my 10 year old, from trying. ![]()
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