Disney Movies and How to Turn Them Into Lessons

Incorporating Disney magic into your homeschool routine can be both fun and educational. Here are five Disney movies that are rich with educational value, and how you can build entire lesson plans around them.

1. Moana (2016)

• Educational Focus: Geography, Culture, Mythology

• Lesson Plan:

  • Geography: Use Moana’s journey to explore the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Have students create maps, study the geography of Polynesia, and discuss how the environment shapes culture.

  • Culture & Mythology: Dive into Polynesian myths, discussing how Maui’s character represents different cultural aspects. Have students compare these myths with those from other cultures.

2. The Lion King (1994)

• Educational Focus: Biology, Ecology, African Culture

• Lesson Plan:

  • Biology & Ecology: Discuss the Circle of Life as it relates to food chains and ecosystems. Create a project on African wildlife and the importance of conservation.

  • Cultural Studies: Explore African traditions and the influence of this continent’s vast cultures on the world.

3. Mulan (1998)

• Educational Focus: History, Gender Roles, Chinese Culture

• Lesson Plan:

  • History & Gender Roles: Study the historical context of the story and the real-life Mulan. Discuss the evolution of gender roles over time.

  • Chinese Culture: Explore ancient China’s customs, the Great Wall, and the significance of dragons in Chinese mythology.

4. Wall-E (2008)

• Educational Focus: Environmental Science, Technology, Ethics

• Lesson Plan:

  • Environmental Science: Discuss the environmental themes in the movie, such as the dangers of waste and pollution. Have students create their own recycling projects or environmental action plans.

  • Technology & Ethics: Debate the role of technology in our lives and its potential impacts on society.

5. Coco (2017)

• Educational Focus: Cultural Studies, Music, Family Heritage

• Lesson Plan:

  • Cultural Studies: Explore the significance of Día de los Muertos and how traditions shape family identities. Have students research their own family traditions and present them.

  • Music & Storytelling: Use the film’s soundtrack to discuss the importance of music in storytelling and cultural preservation.

By integrating these movies into your homeschool curriculum, you’re not only making learning fun but also enriching your children’s understanding of the world around them.