It is the last week before the break:
Grades are due, and for the students that actually show up the days leading to break, it's always nice to reward them with a movie.
Sorted by rating are 25 Holiday films (plus lesson activities) perfect for every Elementary, Middle, and High school classroom!
The Polar Express - G
This computer animated fantasy is based on the classic children’s book about a boy traveling by train to experience the magic of the North Pole. Watching this movie is a great conclusion to any Polar Express reading party! Click for educational summary.
March of the Penguins - G
If your students thought penguins were curious animals before, then they will be amazed by this marvel of a documentary. It ties in nicely with a quick science lesson about adaptations, habitats, or reproduction. Bonus points for Blubber Gloves. Click for summary.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - G
This classic television special features Charlie Brown questioning the over commercialization of the holidays. Its G rating makes it great for the youngest students in the building! Click for summary.
Elf - PG
This 2003 Will classic is about an elf that won’t fit on a shelf. Whip up some Elf spaghetti and watch Buddy find his place in the world. Click for educational summary.
Home Alone - PG
Where’s Kevin?! Some of you have asked yourself this during a fire drill. In this holiday adventure 8-year old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind while his family travels to Paris. That is the least of his worries when a couple of burglars think the house is empty. Click for educational summary.
Happy Feet - PG
Throwing a party? Let these penguins bring the music! This animated feature will have your students dancing all the way home. Click for educational summary.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - PG
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - PG**
Start with the novel, and enjoy some popcorn while enjoying this film with your class. The tale of a legend, complete with great characters, interesting plot twists, and plenty of literary elements to discuss. Click for educational summary.
Eight Below - PG
A guide and his eight sled dogs try to survive an Antarctic blizzard. With the Paul Walker as the lead, this is definitely fast and furryous! Click for educational summary.
Frozen - PG
Let it go! A modern day classic perfect for the winter season. Click for educational summary.
The Santa Clause - PG
Delivering presents around the world on Christmas and convincing everybody Santa is real proves to be equally difficult in this Tim Allen comedy? Click for educational summary.
Miracle on 34th Street - PG
You can’t replace the 1947 classic but this remake will make your students smile. Click for educational summary.
Gremlins - PG
There were only three instructions: Don’t expose them to bright lights, don’t get them wet, and never feed them after midnight. See what happens when these rules aren’t followed. Click for educational summary.
Rise of the Guardians - PG
Jack Frost, Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman team up to battle the Boogeyman who is threatening children through their own nightmares. Click for educational summary.
Ice Age - PG
Seriously, who has not seen this movie!? A favorite for classrooms of all ages.
Miracle - PG
“Do you believe in miracles?” Tenacity and teamwork is the main message behind this Disney film showcasing the United State’s hockey team’s journey through the 1980 Winter Olympics. Click for summary.
The Mighty Ducks - PG
The classic kids film following a group of misfit players against his old powerhouse hockey team. Perfect comedy for the classroom! Click for summary.
Cool Runnings - PG
This used to grace television in the 90's, but is still great for people of all ages. Feel the Rhythm! Feel the Rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time! Click for summary.
Richie Rich - PG
What is a holiday tv marathon without this memorable television classic? Click for summary.
A Christmas Story - PG
Haha, this golden oldie is a great blend of comedy and drama. It’s ok if you don’t get to show this one in class. Your students can catch it during its 24 hour Christmas Eve marathon on TBS. Click for summary.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas - PG
Thanks to Jim Carey stepping into the role of the Grinch, this movie will leave you and your kids rolling around laughing for a solid 90 minutes Spoiler alert: this movie is awesome! Click for summary.
The Nightmare Before Christmas - PG
Click for summary.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol - PG (And the 1984 Version for older students)
Click for summary.
Full Court Miracle - G
Beauty and The Beast - G
Because there's no time of year that this Disney classic isn't appropriate! Click for summary.
Happy Holidays!
