Best movies for Labor Day: organized labor history, May Day, unions

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was designated to celebrate the achievements of organized labor unions in protecting workers' rights. Labor Day is about more than just BBQs and the last summer holiday. Here are educational movies on labor unions to watch for Labor Day or May Day on May 1. 

May Day is the actual Labor Day that unions recognize. May Day commemorates the May 4, 1886 Haymarket Riot (also called Haymarket affair) in Haymarket Square in Chicago. Use the educational movies for May Day American history lessons and to celebrate Worker Memorial Day on April 28.

When organized labor unions win a victory it helps everyone. You can thank organized labor unions and collective bargaining for better healthcare benefits, unemployment benefits, safer working conditions, women's rights, racial equality in the workplace, overtime pay, paid holidays and sick days, child labor laws and many other benefits that workers now take for granted. Watch these educational movies for more balanced American history lessons and to help students understand how organized labor unions have impacted our lives.

"Matewan" (1987-James Earl Jones, Chris Cooper, Mary McDonnell, Kevin Tighe) This is one of the most beautifully portrayed educational movies about coal miners in rural 1930s Matewan, in Mingo County, West Virginia. It shows a how different races, genders and ethnic backgrounds came together to strike against the coal company's unfair, unsafe, unhealthy and discriminatory labor practices. The music is haunting and lovely. Chris Cooper's character of Joe Kenehan is loosed based on Joe Hill.

"Reds" (1981-Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson) Reds chronicles an American journalist's involvement in the Communist Revolution in Russia. Explores the progressive movement in literature, politics, art and education. Nice expose on the fight for equal rights for women.

"F.I.S.T" (1978-Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Conway, Rod Steiger, Peter Boyle) This is one of the educational movies loosely based on the Teamster Union and Jimmy Hoffa.

"Norma Rae" (1979, Sally Field, Beau Bridges) Norma Rae is the story of one woman's fight to bring better working conditions to the factory where she is employed. Like many educational movies about organized labor unions, it takes a critical look at women's rights, also.

"North Country" (2005-Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, Sissy Spacek) North Country retells the story of the first successful court case on sexual harassment against women miners.

"Newsies" (1992-Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, Robert Duvall) While Newsies is a musical for kids, it's also interesting look at the newsboys' strike against media barons Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. It's one of the few educational movies about children's strikes, although child labor drove big cities in the 1800s and early 1900s. Newsies explores dangers of child labor and should be included in American history lessons.

"Hoffa" (1992-Jack Nicholson, Danny Devito) is the story of James R. 'Jimmy' Hoffa, legendary founder and leader of the Teamsters labor union. The films covers the radical leader's rise to power and his mysterious disappearance in Detroit in 1975.

"The Molly Maguires" (1970-Sean Connery, Richard Harris) The 'Molly Maguires' were a group of Irish miners who rebelled against injustices in the mines of Pennsylvania in 1876.

"The Grapes of Wrath" (1940-Henry Fonda, John Carradine) An ex-convict returns to find his family turned out the home in the depression era dust bowl Oklahoma. He befriends a former preacher turned communist and heads the family to California, following crop pickers. Based on progressive author John Steinbeck's epic novel, this film is perfect for American history lessons.

For more educational movies for Labor Day or May Day American history lessons, visit Free Lesson Plans 4u. Many of these are literature based movies too.

Black History Month movies, films, TV shows to honor African American experience

Teachers, are you looking for ways to explore African American culture for Black History Month? Here are movies, films and TV shows to help. These Black History Month movies cover the African American experience from slavery through Jim Crow, segregation, civil rights and to the present. Some films feature Africans who are not Americans but who have shaped black history. These films explore contributions of black Americans in sports, entertainment, music, science, arts and culture. Watch these movies for Black History Month. Many parts of the African American experience are very harsh and these Black History Month movies are realistic. Parents and teachers should prepare children before viewing. Parent approval may be needed for schools to show these films. But the stories movies portray are important--events can't be dumbed down or sanitized or lessons won't be learned and racism will continue.   Black History Month movies, films, TV shows to honor African American experience | Examiner.com

Free Printable Doctor Who Masks for Halloween, Coloring Pages, Crafts

BBC's sci-fi show "Doctor Who" celebrates its 50th birthday in 2013. My youngest daughter discovered Doctor Who in 2005 when she was seven. The current Time Lord was the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. The current Eleventh Doctor is Matt Smith. If you love galaxy hopping in the TARDIS, and battling Cybermen and Daleks here are free printable Doctor Who coloring pages to extend your adventures.  Free Printable Doctor Who Coloring Pages, Crafts, Masks

Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

The Americans tend to shroud their Revolutionary War in blind patriotism. And then the real stories don't get told because they would might make us question our blind faith in American ideals. To even suggest this, gets me labeled "unAmerican." I only question mindless patriotism. "Red white and blue" fever that keeps us from acknowledging our country's flaws. This list of American history and Revolutionary War films provides a more multi-dimensional view of the United States history. Watch them for 4th of July to get a clearer historical perspective. Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

Funny, Poignant, Feel-Good Movies for Mother's Day

Need some great movies to enjoy with mom on Mother's 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. You'll laugh and cry--sometimes both at once. Enjoy! Best Adult Movies to Watch with Mom on Mother's Day

Free Printable Disney Easter Cards and Crafts

Little ones love Disney characters. So why not celebrate the joy of Easter with these free printable Disney Easter activities. Need Easter greeting cards? Here are links for ten different Disney character Easter cards. Print Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore, Rabbit, Roo and all your friends from the Hundred Acre Woods. How about some free printable Looney Tunes Easter cards? You'll find printable Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote and other character cards and clipart. I've included links for other cartoon characters, too. For Easter letters, print stationery and write an Easter message to grandma and grandpa, teachers and friends. Free Printable Disney Easter Activities 

"Blackfish" Movie of SeaWorld Killer Orca Whale Tilikum Steals Show

Sundance film "Blackfish" is stealing the show, says CNN. Blackfish exposes SeaWorld's dark past and explores the story behind Tilikum, SeaWorld's killer orca whale. Blackfish was number one in cable news and highest-rated on CNN Films. "Blackfish " shows how Tilikum was stolen from his mother by whale hunters. Several orcas were killed. He was sold to a now-defunct marine amusement park. In 1991, Tilikum killed a trainer. Later, a man snuck in to the pool at night and was found dead on Tilikum's back. That park finally closed and Tilikum was bought by SeaWorld says Higher Grounds for Animals. SeaWorld said he'd only be used for breeding.  "Blackfish" SeaWorld Killer Orca Whale Tilikum Steals Show

Love Songs, Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is devoted to romance and what better way to initiate a romantic mood than with music? Here's a playlist of edgy, sensual music to warm the soul and ignite passion. They're not saccharine or smarmy--just good old raw emotion. Most I heard in old films, so I've included the movie title too. Most associated films are romantic, but not too mushily so. These love songs and arias come from an array of genres. You can listen to them on Youtube. Edgy, Sensual Love Songs for Valentine's Day

Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Premiers March 8, 2013

Since the 70th anniversary of Warner Bros., "The Wizard of Oz", there's been talk about remaking the film. Disney's Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" gave Oz new impetus. Sam Raimi will film the Disney prequel "Oz: The Great and Powerful" in Detroit, Michigan. Here are details on this iconic film companion, set to release March 8, 2013.  Disney "Oz: The Great and Powerful" Movie to Film in Michigan

Free Printable Despicable Me Minion Halloween Costume Ideas

Steve Carell's cartoon Despicable Me with the cute little yellow Twinkie-shaped minions is a huge hit. Last year I wrote an article on how to make a minion costume for Halloween. Judging by the popularity this year, I'm guessing people still like the show and its fun-sized characters. Want to make a Despicable Me minion Halloween costume? Here's how.

There are several options to create the yellow capsule shaped body of the Despicable Me minion. The first and easiest option is to make a cylinder from a large yellow poster board, draw on the minion face, goggles and blue overalls. Read on Easy Despicable Me Minion Halloween Costume Ideas

Boycott Casey Anthony Movie, Books

When Casey Anthony, the Florida mother accused of killing her 2-year-old child was found not guilty, public outrage spurred questions of movie deals. Now over a year after the Miami mom walked free, those rumors are still pending. Here are thoughts on why boycotting books and movies based on Casey Anthony is the best form of justice.

Probably the biggest issue of the Anthony trial was Casey's failure to report her daughter Caylee missing for more than 30 days. She was photographed partying and seeming completely unconcerned about her child's whereabouts. In and effort to bring other parents to accountability, "Caylee's Law" would make it a felony charge for failure to report a child missing or dead within a short period of time. Boycott Casey Anthony Book, Movie Deals

Free Printable Activities from The Hunger Games Books, Movies

It's an understatement to say that "The Hunger Games" book trilogy, by Suzanne Collins, has taken the world by storm. "The Hunger Games" movie blasted to top spot when it came out in March. The saga continues in "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay" which don't stay long on book shelves. Planning to teach a unit on "The Hunger Games" books or movie? Here are free printable lesson plans and activities for several different content areas. As for age level, t he movie is acceptable for most ages, but the books are a bit graphic. I recommend using "The Hunger Games" series with kids over 12. Read more at Free Printable Activities from 'The Hunger Games' Book, Movie 

Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July

The American Revolutionary War wears many faces, some of them mask the real stories. This life of American history and Revolutionary War films provides a more multi-dimensional view of the United States and American history.

"The Crossing" 2000- Jeff Daniels, who has really come into his own in historical character roles, gives an excellent performance as General George Washington. The Crossing depicts Washington's perilous crossing of the Delaware and the bloody winter at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary war. Read the rest of the list at  Best American History Movies to Watch for 4th of July 

Bully Documentary Hits a Raw Spot

The movie "Bully" has been given an R-rating because it contains strong language--language kids are subjected to from their peers. The entire purpose of the film is to demonstrate how hurtful those words are and why we're seeing so many bullying-related problems. Sadly, the R-rating means it will be difficult for teachers to show this film to kids who really need to see it. This movie hits a raw spot for me. Someone I love was horrendously bullied. When he "fought back" like adults so often tell kids to do, it had disastrous results. Here's that story  'Bully' Documentary Hits a Raw Spot 

Best Movie for Lent and Easter: Jesus of Nazareth

Lent is the penitential season is which we prepare our hearts for the resurrection of Jesus at Easter. As Christ journeyed through the desert and was tempted by Satan, we journey in a spiritual way. We practice the spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting and alms-giving. There are dozens of helpful books to guide us on our Lenten journey. The Bible is of course our source of wisdom. In this digital age, however, many people look to the television as the primary source of information. Here's a review of the a great Easter teaching tool. Best Movie for Lent and Easter: Jesus of Nazareth 

TLC Caves to Pressure, Pulls All-American Muslim

TLC (The Learning Channel) has caved to pressure from Florida Family Association and pulled the controversial show "All-American Muslim." Ratings were low, says LA Times, and thanks to FFA's haranguing, many sponsors dropped the show.
I'm a Christian; I'm also an American who believes in freedom, of religion and of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As an American, I don't think one faction, like FFA, should dictate the nation's viewing choices. Read more at TLC Caves to FFA Pressure, Pulls 'All-American Muslim'

Best Movies For Chinese New Year, Asian Culture

Best Movies and Films to Watch for Chinese New Year One of the best ways to learn about a culture and people is to read books and watch movies based in that country. Chinese New Year begins early in February. Here are best movies and films based in China to explore Chinese New Year. I didn't include "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Snow Falling on Cedars." Both of these films make great cultural analysis pieces, but they are both a bit to mature for most students. They are also set in Japan. Read on...

Best Educational Movies for Thanksgiving Lessons

Best Educational Movies for Thanksgiving Lessons Thanksgiving, as a holiday has some urban legends clinging to it. Historical inaccuracies distort our perceptions of Thanksgiving, the pilgrims (more accurately Puritans), native Americans and 17th century life in New England. I'm not going to make an attempt to lay these inaccuracies to rest, because I'll be the first to admit, I wasn't there and I don't know (even though I may look old enough to have sailed on the Mayflower and some days I feel old enough). Here are movies that explore the history and culture of the original colonial settlements. These films give a more rounded sociological picture of Thanksgiving, native relations and the early American lifestyle. Read more...

Books and Movies for Veteran's Day

Books and Movies for Veteran's Day Veteran's Day remembers and celebrates the lives and efforts of soldiers, sailors and airmen the world over and especially those who gave the last full measure. It has been said of World War One that it very nearly obliterated an entire generation. In the wake of this most dreadful time followed prohibition, speakeasies, organized crime, the Jazz Age, the Stock Market crash, the migration of masses from the farm to the city and ultimately the Depression and World War Two. The disillusionment felt after World War One was expressed in literature, music, art, education, theater, finance and politics; Progressives rocked and shocked the world. Here are films about veterans, WWI, revolutionaries and nihilists. They will help students get a clearer picture of this most disconcerting time in history. Read more...

Best Non- Scary Halloween Movies for Children - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

Best Non- Scary Halloween Movies for Children I am self-confessed coward about scary movies. I don't watch them. I was pretty careful about what I let my children watch, knowing that they were easily frightened. Looking for some non-scary Halloween movies? Here are some you're sure to enjoy. These films are funny, silly and utterly charming. Read on...