Steve GannKidtoon Films: Bringing Families Back To The Big Screen
October 4th 2011 02:33
High unemployment coupled with high ticket prices have forced many families to cancel their night out at the movies or at best reduce it to a rare occasional outing. Add in less than stellar family type films and many can see why theatres as well as production companies are struggling financially.
Kidtoon Films may have found the right remedy to bring back the endangered family night out.
First off Kidtoon films are generally less expensive than normal movies. Secondly, they are shorter than most feature films, allowing families with toddlers to enjoy the movie experience without having to leave early. Lastly, Kidtoon's professional educators produce fun activities to enhance the lesson with the films. These activities usually include at home activities, give-a-ways, and coloring pages. They are available for free downloads at the Kidtoons website.
Kidtoon's education specialist, Dr. Donna Mitroff Ph.D., recently explained their mission statement with this open letter to parents:
I am pleased to introduce the Kidtoons program of family friendly movies for children shown at theaters in your neighborhood every Saturday and Sunday. If you are already familiar with the Kidtoons program, you may recognize me as “Dr. Donna,” the author of a monthly column about the Kidtoons features that can be found in the newsletter and on the Kidtoons website.
Let me tell you a little about myself and why I am a supporter of Kidtoons. Over the past 20 years, I have been a teacher in the early elementary grades and in special education classrooms, a teacher trainer and a curriculum designer. I made the transition to children’s media several years ago and have worked in both public and commercial television. Currently, I teach children’s media courses at the university level and consult with production companies and networks on children’s media.
The Kidtoons program provides an exciting opportunity to connect with your kids and share great entertainment with them. Here are just a few of the ways that Kidtoons helps you:
Parents have expressed the desire for safe opportunities to share the big-screen experience with their children. Your Kidtoons theatre is welcoming for kids and parents both.
There are no surprises in Kidtoons features. Parents are provided with detailed Information about the film content on the website. As a parent, you can make decisions about each film based on the age and personalities of your children.
As an educator and children’s media professional, I believe that the Kidtoons experience, in addition to being fun and entertaining, offers a learning opportunity for children. Watching a film together, observing your child’s reactions, and talking about the movie afterwards gives you an opportunity to increase your child’s media literacy and critical viewing skills.
With the reviews that I write for each monthly feature, I provide suggestions for follow-up discussion between you and your child or children. Through conversations about the decisions, actions, and behavior of the characters from the story, you convey your own family’s values to your children. Additionally, you help them learn to question what they see and hear on film and television.
I hope you and your children enjoy the Kidtoons show. I urge you to give me feedback on the “Dr. Donna” reviews (click here to contact me) Tell me what we can do to make your Kidtoons visits even more fun for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Donna Mitroff, Ph.D.
The matinees are generally shown once daily on weekends. Check out the Kidtoon's website for theatres in your area.
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