Educational Films

Free educational online games for kids: Reading, spelling, writing, word games | Examiner.com

2016-06-24T16:19:00.001-04:00

Parents, does it worry you how much your kids play phone or online games? Do you worry that their reading skills will stagnate if they play too many online games? Well, here's a workaround--turn them on to online word games for kids and Internet reading games. Here are free online games for kids, including word games, reading games and spelling games. These reading games can be played on computers or cellphones. Teachers, use these online games for kids to boost not only reading skills, but spelling, grammar, syntax, vocabulary and writing skills. Playing online word games helps visual tracking, perceptual acuity and typing skills, too. Free educational online games for kids: Reading, spelling, writing, word games | Examiner.com

Memorial Day: American history war movies, literature based films on US wars

2016-05-18T13:21:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May is also called Remembrance Day and Decoration Day. The purpose is to honor the dead, especially veterans killed in war or in the line of duty. Here are literature based films for Memorial Day and war movies for American history lessons on US wars and American war history. These literature based films present a timeline was US wars. Memorial Day: American history war movies, literature based films on US wars | Examiner.com

Best movies for moms and daughters, to watch with your mom on Mothers Day

2016-05-04T22:46:00.001-04:00

Need some great movies for moms and daughters to enjoy with your mom on Mothers Day? Maybe you've lost your mother and need some heart therapy. Whether you're a mom, grandma, adoptive mom, foster mom, surrogate mom, primary care-giver, aunt, step-mom, godmother or you were born of a mother, watch these movies for moms and daughters. You'll laugh and cry--sometimes both at once. Best movies for moms and daughters, to watch with your mom on Mothers Day | Examiner.com

Free printable Pete's Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon, dragons coloring pages

2016-04-20T17:15:00.001-04:00

Everything's coming up dragons. Disney's "Pete's Dragon" remake comes out August 12, 2016, almost 40 years after the original Pete's Dragon. The pot is simmering on Dreamworks "How to Train Your Dragon 3" too. Want free printable Pete's Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon coloring pages and printables of dragons? Sure you do. Free printable Pete's Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon, dragons coloring pages | Examiner.com

Orca whale Tilikum is dying: Captive 'Blackfish' killer whale sick of SeaWorld | Examiner.com

2016-03-23T15:59:00.001-04:00

The orca whale named Tilikum is dying, reported Live Science on March 10. Tilikum is the notorious "killer whale" who turned real killer and drowned three people including trainer Dawn Brancheau in front of an audience at SeaWorld in 2010. Tilikum was profiled in the documentary "Blackfish." Blackfish posed the question that captivity at SeaWorld drove Tilikum mad and caused him to behave aggressively. Now the question is: did SeaWorld kill the killer whale by deprivations of captivity? Tilikum has a bacterial respiratory infection and is in great pain. But at 35, the orca has outlived many of his "in the wild" counterparts, experts say. Orca whale Tilikum is dying: Captive 'Blackfish' killer whale sick of SeaWorld | Examiner.com

Dr Seuss lesson plans on psychology, sociology, health in National Reading Month

2016-03-15T17:37:00.001-04:00

March 2 celebrates the birthday of a modern-day Socrates, Dr. Seuss, Kids read Dr Seuss books for National Reading Month in March. But Dr. Seuss is not just for children. Grownups need his candy-colored, but not sugar-coated Tao, too. Here are National Reading Month lesson plans on 10 classic Seuss books for use in high school psychology, health and sociology classes. Dr Seuss lesson plans on psychology, sociology, health in National Reading Month | Examiner.com

Free printable Inkheart lesson plans: Cornelia Funke Inkspell, Inkdeath lessons | Examiner.com

2016-02-22T22:31:00.001-05:00

March is National Reading Month, and what better time to explore best loved children's literature classics? The movie Inkheart was based on a trilogy of books by Cornelia Funke, including Inkheart, Inkspell and Inkdeath. This wonderful set of medieval type fantasy literature continues to thrill readers as the film did in 2009. Destined to become a children's literature classic, here are free printable Inkheart lesson plans, fantasy coloring pages and activities based on the Cornelia Funke collection. Check EdHelper for free printable Inkheart book activities. Scholastic has a free printable Inkheart literature guide for Cornelia Funke books Inkspell and Inkdeath and companion movies. Free printable Inkheart lesson plans: Cornelia Funke Inkspell, Inkdeath lessons | Examiner.com

Free printable Curious George coloring, worksheets, crafts, games, party kit

2016-02-15T13:16:00.001-05:00

September is National Literacy Month. And who better to represent it that mischievous monkey Curious George. Curious George has been around many incarnations since WWII when he was "born." His creators, Jews Margaret and H.A. Rey, escaped Nazi occupied France on homemade bikes with the manuscript for Curious George hidden. That adventure was the perfect introduction to nosy, lovable monkey. Here are free printable Curious George coloring pages, worksheets, lessons, activities, crafts, games and even a Curious George birthday party theme. Free printable Curious George coloring, worksheets, crafts, games, party kit | Examiner.com

Free printable Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren coloring pages

2016-02-07T17:13:00.001-05:00

The Star Wars saga might be the most popular movie series in history. The new 2015 Star Wars Episode VII "The Force Awakens" toppled box office records when it opened. The Force Awakens which came out almost 40 years after the first Star Wars IV A New Hope, continues in off-the-charts popularity! So all this is academic for little kids--their biggest question isn't how much Star Wars grossed. They want to know when will the new Star Wars VII coloring pages be out? And the answer is--now! Here are free printable Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens coloring pages! Free printable Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren coloring pages | Examiner.com

Free printable Curious George coloring, worksheets, crafts, games, party kit

2016-01-29T19:38:00.001-05:00

Best Christmas music from movie soundtracks, Christmas carols, holiday classics

2015-12-18T00:39:00.001-05:00

Christmas is a sensual experience. It smells like pine and cinnamon and tastes of smoked ham and marzipan. Christmas sounds like carols. Here is the best in Christmas music from movie soundtracks. It would be impossible to list all the best holiday classics and Christmas carols. Suffice to listen to these holiday movie soundtracks to get that Christmas glow. Best Christmas music from movie soundtracks, Christmas carols, holiday classics | Examiner.com

Christmas movies, holiday classic films to watch after Thanksgiving Day dinner | Examiner.com

2015-11-16T16:23:00.001-05:00

The Thanksgiving Day feast is over. The pie and coffee have been passed around. Now is the time for watching the football game, right? Not if you're a sports hater, it's not. You could actually go outside and play a game, but everyone is too full and mom and dad are exhausted from cooking. So now is the time to pop in a holiday classic and kick back! Here are Christmas movies and holiday classic films to watch after Thanksgiving Day dinner. You can pull some of these up on Youtube. Christmas movies, holiday classic films to watch after Thanksgiving Day dinner | Examiner.com

Sweetest Day: Romantic plot twist movies, no-schmaltz love story films | Examiner.com

2015-10-17T21:15:00.001-04:00

Sweetest Day, the third Saturday in October, is devoted to romance. Couples buy cute gifts, go on dates, watch sappy movies about love. Isn't that sweet? Not so much, you don't think? If Sweetest Day makes you sick from sugary-romance overload, then how about a little reality therapy? Here are romantic movies with a plot twist. Watch these no-schmaltz love story films but don't look for heart-warming Nicholas Sparks here. These reality romance movies are perfect for parents whose honeymoon glitz has worn off.Sweetest Day: Romantic plot twist movies, no-schmaltz love story films | Examiner.com

Despicable Me Minions Halloween costumes with free printables

2015-10-07T22:51:00.001-04:00

"Despicable Me" is one of the hottest kids' movies of all time. What makes it so crazy-popular aren't main characters, but the supporting cast--aka those cute little vitamin-B shaped Minions. Minions continue to place in the Top 10 Halloween costumes for 2014. But you don't have to buy a minion costume. Here are easy DIY Despicable Me minion Halloween costume patterns and ideas. They're cheap too, if you use recycled materials, scraps and secondhand clothing.Make Despicable Me Minion Halloween costumes cheap and no-sew | Examiner.com

New rhino face of elephant skin: Hope for mutilated rhino with hacked off horn - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

2015-08-18T21:59:00.001-04:00

Hope the rhinoceros got a new rhino face of elephant skin, after her own visage was damaged by poachers, reported News Max on on August 17. Her Zulu name Ithemba, means Hope and it's what the poor creature now has, thanks to veterinary skin graft surgery. Now there's hope for the mutilated rhino with the hacked off horn. And the successful transplant surgery means hope for other big game wildlife injured in poaching.New rhino face of elephant skin: Hope for mutilated rhino with hacked off horn - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

4D movies a dimension too pricey: IMAX D-BOX simulator seats not worth cost

2015-07-23T11:17:00.001-04:00

For the full experience, theaters recommend seeing movies in 4D. But tickets are much more expensive. Most IMAX D-BOX simulator seats are not worth the extra cost. 4D movies are a dimension too pricey; 3D movies are just as enjoyable at half the price. The average cost of a movie is $8. A 3D movie is about $14. D-Box seats cost $22 each, so nearly three times the cost of regular movie tickets. Here's the cost-benefit analysis of D-Box seats. 4D movies a dimension too pricey: IMAX D-BOX simulator seats not worth cost

Best movies for Cinco de Mayo: Films on Latino culture & Mexican history

2015-05-05T17:55:00.001-04:00

Cinco de Mayo means Fifth of May, like the U.S. 4th of July. Unlike that holiday, it's not Independence Day in Mexico. But Cinco de Mayo does celebrate a military victory in Mexico, when the Mexican army routed French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated much more stateside than in Mexico and it's been pretty Americanized, but it's still good chance to recognize Mexico's history. Here are movies to celebrate Mexican cultural heritage: Best movies for Cinco de Mayo: Films on Latino culture & Mexican history

Free printable HOP movie Easter Bunny crafts, rabbit coloring pages

2015-04-01T18:18:00.001-04:00

HOP is a fun, funky movie that came out around Easter, 2011. E.B. (voiced by Russel Brand) is the teenage son of the Easter Bunny. Like the 1980s Roger Rabbit and Space Jam, HOP features live actors with animation. Here are free printable crafts and coloring pages from HOP.Free printable HOP movie Easter Bunny crafts, rabbit coloring pages - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Our Lady of Guadalupe party for Christmas around the world in Mexico - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

2014-12-16T22:09:00.001-05:00

On Dec. 12. Catholics honor the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, says Time and Date. The holiday commemorates the miraculous apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a poor Indian, Juan Diego, in Mexico in 1513. Here's an activity guide to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe with children. Falling in Advent, the feast day is a perfect time for a Mexican Christmas around the world party!Our Lady of Guadalupe party for Christmas around the world in Mexico

If you see one movie this Thanksgiving, make it Mockingjay

2014-11-04T22:14:00.001-05:00

If you see one movie this Thanksgiving, make it...(drum roll) Mockingjay Part 1, the next in the Hunger Games trilogy. The Telegraph reported November 4 that Mockingjay opens November 19 in parts of Europe and Asia and a day later in Great Britain, U.S. movie-goers must wait till November 21.

There's a lot to love about the Hunger Games films, based on Suzanne Collins book series of the same titles. Post-apocalyptic, dystopian, chess-like battles with human lives as pawns, youth-led rebel alliance taking on the superior forces of an enslaving and exploiting Capitol--all make for epic adventure.

If you see one movie this Thanksgiving, make it Mockingjay Part 1 - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

Free Printable How to Train Your Dragon Coloring Pages

2014-09-30T18:09:00.001-04:00

Dreamworks' How to Train Your Dragon (2010) and How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) are hugely popular films based on the Cressida Creswell books. They tell of young Hiccup, a timorous, frail viking-in-training. To save the viking village, Hiccup must learn to fight the dragon. Our hero is less-versed in warfare but very good at dragon befriending and training. Want free printable How to Train Your Dragon coloring pages? Read on! Free Printable How to Train Your Dragon Coloring Pages

Movie Review and Critical Analysis for I am Sam Film

2014-09-11T17:00:00.001-04:00

I published a critical analysis of the film "I am Sam" in 2007. This is an expanded critical analysis and movie review. I grant permission for student use as a model to guide university level film reviews. This should not be used extant. Parts may be quoted.

I am Sam (2001, Sean Penn) is the story of a mentally impaired man who fathers and raises a child. The film is used in college sociology, psychology and English classes to explore relationships. I am Sam helps students understand the complex nature of love, parenting, intelligence, disability, what constitutes "normal" and other life themes. Here's my I am Sam movie review with critical analysis. Movie Review and Critical Analysis for "I am Sam"

Best American History Movies for 4th of July

2014-06-30T13:38:00.001-04:00

The American Revolutionary War wears many faces. By that I mean that there are many stories, not all of which portray the colonists in the rosy glow we Americans tend to imbue them with. We've been guilty in the US of teaching revisionist and one-sided historical perspectives. We've let our militant patriotism blind us to flaws in our country. Here's a list of American history and Revolutionary War films provides a more honest, multidimensional view. Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

Free Printable Disney Tangled, Rapunzel Fairy Tale Coloring Pages

2014-06-20T20:24:00.001-04:00

Watching the previews for the newest Disney princess movie Tangled tells me that this isn't going to be your average boy meets girl, fall in love Disney cartoon. Tangled is not your mother's sweet little fairy tale Rapunzel, no ma'am. This one is tough and savvy; even her hair has an attitude. And the title is so wonderfully farcical: Tangled. Well, I suppose Disney couldn't call it Hair (that's a schmaltzy musical from Great Britain). Free Printable Disney Tangled Coloring Pages

Free Printable Free Birds, Angry Birds, Chicken Little, Rio, Chicken Run Coloring Pages

2014-06-01T14:30:00.001-04:00

"Free Birds"--an avian cartoon of epic fun--is garnering fans of all ages. My 22-year-old son and his girlfriend loved it! Do your nestlings squawk with glee watching Reggie, Jenny, Jake and the chicks try to evade Thanksgiving? Then flap on over for free printable Free Birds movie coloring pages, online games and crafts and other bird-themed goodies. What's not to love about a movie voiced by Owen Wilson, Amy Poehler, Woody Harrelson and George Takei? Free Printable Free Birds Movie Coloring Pages