- A LEARNING GUIDE TO:
BOYS TOWN
SUBJECTS — U.S./1913-1929 & Nebraska; Religions/Christianity;
- SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING — Male Role Model;
- MORAL-ETHICAL EMPHASIS — Caring; Citizenship. Age: 10-12; No MPAA Rating; Drama; 1938; 94 minutes; B & W; Available from Amazon.com.
Description: This film is a fictionalized account of the life and achievements of Father Flanagan (1886 - 1948), the founder of Boys Town. Since 1917, Boys Town has provided refuge for delinquent and troubled boys (and now girls) of all faiths.
Benefits of the Movie: "Boys Town" shows a selfless man whose belief that there is no such thing as a bad boy made a difference in the lives of thousands of troubled young people. It provides an excellent introduction to the perennial debate between those who believe that wayward youth can be helped with education and compassion and those who believe that punishment is the only remedy for delinquent behavior.
Possible Problems: NONE.
Parenting Points: After the movie is finished ask the Quick Discussion Question and talk about what you believe the answer to be. Allow your child to express his or her thoughts on the question. Then discuss any other points in the film that might interest your child.
WORKSHEETS:
TWM offers the following worksheets to keep students' minds on the movie and direct them to the lessons that can be learned from the film.
Worksheet for Cinematic and Theatrical Elements and Their Effects.
See also TWM's Historical Fiction in Film Cross-Curricular Homework Project.
QUICK DISCUSSION QUESTION:
Do you agree with Father Flanagan that he never knew a bad boy or do you agree with the people who believe that the best way to handle juvenile delinquents is to punish or incarcerate them? What do you think should be done with juvenile delinquents?
Suggested Response: There is no one right answer to this question. |
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