Our kids are jumping up and down for the movie Shaun the Sheep Movie (Released August 5th, 2015 Nationwide). Not only are the sheep characters super cute, but the use of claymation is the most perfect way to combine writing, technology, and creativity in learning extensions at home before and after watching the movie.
“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Lionsgate. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”
At our house, going out to a movie in the theater is a big deal and not something we get to do a lot. Because of that, I try to capitalize on their enthusiasm to connect it with academic learning. When kids are excited about something – use the excitement to extend and enrich their learning.
Shaun the Sheep Movie Synopsis: Shaun, the main sheep decides to take the day off for fun. He ends up with a little more of an adventure than he had planned. After a mix up with the farmer, the camper, and a very steep hill, a trip to the Big City is in order. In a team effort, Shaun and the flock work together to return everyone safely home. Here is a preview of the silliness to come:
Be forewarned… there is kid humor (you know – burping)
Learning Activities to do Before and After watching Shaun The Sheep Movie.
That’s right.
Learning activities to do at home before and after the movie.
This movie
- has cute characters with bold personalities.
- has vibrant color images with high contrast.
- is made in the claymation style.
- encourages teamwork to solve a problem.
- has exciting adventures.
It gives the learning purpose and makes it fun. Plus, it gives you a chance to reinforce academics that are taught and practiced during the traditional school day in a fun way!
Shaun the Sheep Movie and activities are geared for children ages 4-10. We like to select 1-2 activities to do prior to the movie and 1-2 activities in the days following the activities. You of course, can add them in whenever!
1. Make a Super Cute Sheep Craft
I showed these to my grade schooler and she got the giggles! Too often, I forget that even through she is a little older, crafting is still has many benefits. It encourages fine motor use and provides a creativity outlet that is often not present in the traditional grade school classroom. (I know this because in all of 2nd and 3rd grade she has brought home less crafts than I can count fingers on one hand)
Sure it’s sad that our kids do not get to do this during the school day, but I don’t mind crafting with the kids at home. It is a great way to get the involved in DOING something afterschool.
Are some geared for preschoolers? You bet! We start crafting and creating with our children at an early age and continue working with a variety of materials through adult hood. Should your 10 year old still be crafting – YES! You are never too old for crafts.
Not sure what to make? Here is a list of sheep crafts for every art medium. Open up your art closet or pantry and see what you have available right now. Dump it on the table and let the kids create!
2. Connect with Technology to Extend Learning:
Make sure to visit Shaun The Sheep movie official website for more trivia, trailers, and fun. If you are looking for the most educational games, we would suggest:
In this game, children are shown two different pictures. They click the places that are different and the game makes a red circle around both items. The goal is to identify all the differences before the time runs out. This teaches children to pay attention to details. Best for ages 4 and up.
This is a fast paced online version of memory – using the fun characters from Shaun the Sheep movie. In the first round, players are given 8 cards and must click 2 over at a time to make a character match. My 8 year old found this challenging but was determined to make the matches before the timer ended. Focus skill: memory.
Jigsaw
In this game, children click on the puzzle pieces and move them to the correct spaces on the screen. When they are relatively close, they will snap into play. My 5 year old does not play on the computer and this was one of his first experiences with a mouse. He needed help. Puzzles are good for spacial reasoning and problem solving. If yours does not yet use a mouse, this game is an at your own speed game that can be a good way to practice mouse use.
3. Compare Characters in Shaun the Sheep Movie
Focusing on characters and character development is an important part of reading (and movie watching) Knowing and understanding the characters will help with overall comprehension of the story.
Preview the Following Video Clips and discuss the characters with your child out loud.
*** This is an activity that uses technology to teach!****
Shaun the Sheep:
Meet Trumper:
Make a Character Comparison T Chart
In this activity, children compare the physical appearance, personality, feelings, actions, and behavior of two main characters such as Shaun vs. Trumper.
You do not need a fancy paper, just draw a line down the middle of any paper and write the character names on the top or print this image and have your child write in the attributes.
Many young children have difficulty with feeling words. Discuss different words and decide which would fit each character the best.
Feeling words to consider:
- jealous,
- angry,
- hopeful,
- scared,
- surprised,
- worried,
- sad,
- excited,
- happy
Another item that kids seem to get stuck on is character behavior. Encourage them to think about the following behavior words and select a word or words for each character.
thoughtful
- brave
- careful
- risk taker
- confident
- kind
- smart
- generous
- rude
- patient
4. Let their Creative Writing Skills Shine
Take the characters in the movie one step further with these fun writing prompts.
1. Pretend you are Shaun. Write a story about what would happen if the camper ended up sliding downhill and into… a library!
2. What would happen if YOU were sitting at the restaurant table with Shaun? How would you have helped the flock fit in?
3. Choose your favorite scene from the movie. Re-write it, but change one very important detail. Read it to a friend and see if they can guess what has been changed
4. Write a song that Shaun could sing about his adventures. You can, but do not need to rhyme.
5. Plan and organize a “Home Again” party for the flock. Write about what you would serve, how you would decorate and
We are planning a big -kid night out with mom complete with a picnic at a park before headed toShaun the Sheep Movie. Who will you be headed to the movie with?
Connect with Shaun the Sheep Movie fans on Twitter and Facebook. Use the hashtag #ShauntheSheep to share your families movie reactions!
i watched the show every afternoon
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The nephew is the biggest fan.
I love Shaun the Sheep! It reminds me of Chicken Run. Both are adorable! Plus, the sheep remind me of the Serta sheep which I love too.
Shaun the sheep is so cute!
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I love Shaun the Sheep! Thanks for the giveaway!
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