My DD brought a note home from school today that her class is going to watch Twlight on Friday as a congratulations for getting through the standardized testing. In order for her to watch it, we have to sign off on it because it is PG13. She is 12 years old and in the 6th grade.

I actually hadn't even heard of the movie until she brought it home, so I went to pluggedinonline.com (which reviews movies from a Christian perspective) and read the writeup about it. I'm still somewhat torn as to what to do. I don't think we are overly protective as parents - we do let our kids watch some things on tv that some parents wouldn't let their kids watch, but they are more of the violent type shows (like Walker Texas Ranger), and it sounds like this movie has some violence and also some sexual themes in it too. It sounds like the kind of movie that if she is going to see, I'd really just as soon see it with her to talk about it after it's over.

On the other hand, I don't know that I feel so strongly about it to not sign the note and have her possibly be the only kid in the class not getting to see the movie.

So, I just wondered if anyone has seen the movie and has an opinion about a 12 year old seeing it.

Thanks!
Becky

My 9 and 10 yr olds watched it last night with my husband and I.

There is a particularly violent scene, but you only see bits and pieces of it, and not directly, if that makes sense. There are a few scenes where they kiss, and one scene where she tilts her head back as if to 'offer' her neck to him, and he leans in a kisses it that made my 10 yr old say "Yuck", but there weren't really any over the top scenes of that nature.

Well, I watched the other night with my DH and DS, there were some scenes that I was embarrassed to watch with my son there. I thought the "sexual tension" was pretty high at times.

That being said, I thought it was inappropriate for 6th graders. I would opt out if it were my kids.

What was pluggedinonline's perspective??

Just wanted to say, my DS is almost 20.

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Melissa

I thought it was fine from a parents perspective. The sexual tension in the book is much stronger, and I don't think appropriate for a 12 year old, but the movie was completely watered down. I would let my 12 year old dd watch it, but I'd either go as a chaperone, or watch it together first with her.

Well....based on your stating "Walker" is violent--I'm pretty sure you and I have vastly different definitions of violence and sexual overtones. However, I've seen "Twilight" (and read all 4 books), and there isn't enough sex or violence to prohibit my9 y/o and 11 y/o from watching the movie.

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omg! i loved the books and the movie. We actually bought the DVD from walmart instead of buying the 3 buck flea market dvd...lol. I didnt think the sexual tension was over the top i thought it was water down. but if your daughter doesnt watch many pg 13 movies then dont let her watch. the fighting is near the end of the movie and doesnt last that long. You only know what your kids are use to seeing, but i thought the movie was great! I took my daughter (15) one of her friends and drag my son(13) along when we went to the theater to watch it. We all loved it except my son but if it isnt war or action he dont like it..lol. You can always run to blockbuster rent it watch it by yourself and decide if she is allowed to watch it or not.

steph

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I bought it for my daughter who is in the 7th grade. She had already watched it several times at the movie theatre. I didn't have any problems with the content. I have spent far too much time hearing/seeing what goes on in middle school to let this movie bother me...

I agree about the sexual tension in the book being much stronger than in the movie. My son wants to read the series, but I told him he wasn't mature enough for the books just yet.

I have a 12 year old 6th grader that hates to read. Twilight was the first book she ever read that she really liked and was by far the longest book she has ever read. She is now almost done with the second book. For her to like reading a book I almost don't care what it is about. LOL Most of the other girls in her class had already read all four books before mine even started. So when the movie came out last Sat. my dh went out very early and got it for her. I still have not seen it but she watched it 3 or 4 time last weekend. I have friends that both they and their children all 6th and 7th graders read all the books and they all took their child to the movies to see it. I know they are very carefull what their children watch (way more than me) so I had no problem with her watching the movie.

I went to see it in the theater with my 12 yo 7th grader.( only way she could see the movie ) I LOVED THE MOVIE !. I thought it would be all teenish and really dumb but i enjoyed the movie.I have also bought the books for her. (he he I even read a few chapters in it nothing like the movie for sure).
But then again. I don't really limit what she reads and she's not into the sexual type movies.She's into the silly teenage movies I wouldn't pay a lug nickle to watch LOL. But any hoot, I thought the movie was great and nothing over the top. Heck I worry more about what she's hearing/ seeing or learning from classmates at school than this movie.( believe me I have had to set my DD straight a few times with some of the things shes been told at school)

A 12 year old, hummm. I personally would not let my daughter watch it. It wasn't that it was a bad movie, there was alot of sexual tension for a 12 year old.

Why don't you rent it first and watch it and then see if you'd allow her to watch it, thats what i'd do. Just to be safe. Cause everyones opinions are so different and everyone has different ideas on what's ok and whats not. And all honesty, its your daughter, you need to make that decision.

Thanks for all the replies. My DD actually decided she didn't want to watch it because they are setting up an electronics room for kids who don't watch the movie. She and her best friend are taking their ipods and DSs to play them while other kids watch the movie.

So, after all this, I didn't have to worry about it after all. I am thinking of renting the movie to see what it's all about anyway.

Thanks again!

While I think that the movie is probably ok for *most* kids of this age, I don't think its an appropriate movie for school, and I'm very surprised your dd's school is allowing it. I I bet if someone made a call to the district, they would have a fit over that one. Not to mention, it's a copyright violation for them to show that movie (and most other movies) to a large group like a school class(es)

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Copy right violation? HUH? I show movies to the Kindergarten students every Friday. It is no violation to show school kids movies. lol


This means that no license from the copyright holder is required when a teacher at a public school or non-profit educational institution uses a lawfully purchased or rented copy of a movie in classroom instruction. It doesn't matter who purchased or rented the film, so long as it was legally obtained. The exemption is granted for "face-to-face" teaching activities only. This means that the teacher (or a substitute teacher) must be present. The exemption covers a "classroom or similar place devoted to instruction". This gives teachers some flexibility. For example, it is likely that a gymnasium used for large educational presentations in which several classes are convened together would be covered so long as a teacher presented the film. Note that remotely accessing a film from a central memory storage facility is probably not permitted. See 17 U.S.C. § 1201(

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The key words here are "in classroom instruction". I guess it would depend on what part of your curriculum the movies "every Friday" cover. In our district, if you are showing a movie it must be directly related to the subject or lesson you are teaching and it must be noted in your plan book.

I thought schools were exempt from needing a license to legally use copyrighted movies.
Under the "Educational Exemption" copyrighted entertainment movies may be shown in a school without copyright permission only if all criteria are met:

* A teacher or instructor is present
* The showing takes place in a classroom setting with only the enrolled students attending
* The movie is used as an essential part of the core, current curriculum being taught. (The instructor should be able to show how the use of the motion picture contributes to the overall required course study and syllabus.)
* The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not taped from a legitimate copy or taped from TV


See here for more info:
http://www.movlic.com/k12/faq.html#3


I have teachers at my school that, any time they have a sub, it's movie time. Not cool. I personally don't know how showing "The Little Mermaid" has to do with band class or art class. Ya know what I mean?

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He he well it does have a lot of singing in it

Oh, I can always find a way to fit the movies into my lessons, but I do not have to mention them in my written plans. I t each k and we can usually fit it into ELA.

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Just curious, what movies do you show?

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Many different ones. A different one every week. Tomorrow is Peter Pan. We are studying real vs fantasy right now.

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I'm sorry, but I'd be torqued if my child, regardless of age/class level was shown a movie every Friday!

What exactly does plopping the children in front of a TV screen for 1-2 hours every Friday accomplish? What is being taught? I'd rather see the kids outsider or in the gym engaging in some physical activity! Or in music, or in the library being read to, or just playing in small groups....but vegging in front of a movie? No, no, no!

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Good thing my parents are not uptight! I find a way to teach with everything we do. We will discuss real vs fantasy after the movie. They will not be plopped in front of it. We will watch together. We watch a ton of videos from unitedstreaming every day too. Get over it. As for going outside. They have an hour of PE each day and I read at least 3 books per day to them. They also read to me! Yes, they are all reading.

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Why would she need to get over it? It's just an opinion.

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She always has something negative to say. It does not affect her children, so why worry? My kids are thriving and that is what matters.

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Yeah, good thing all of the teachers that my children have had have been wonderful, caring individuals. They are capable enough teachers that they don't have to depend on TV/movies to teach. And yes, both of mine were reading in Kindergarten.
Maybe the teachers we have in our school system prefer to challenge the children instead of wasting time, money and energy with cartoons.....
Maybe your parents just don't know the difference between superior and adequate. Good Grief! I wasn't even a certified teacher when I worked in daycare and we didn't utilize the TV/videos weekly! We actually worked!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

LOL. My state mandates that we use technology to increase learning, which is what it does. I care deeply for my students and their educations. It is proven and I know first hand, that technology enhances learning. If you can't see the educational value in watching stories, you are so in the dark....well, you are not a teacher, so that is understandable, I guess. You should not put others down for it, though. I work hard with my kids. We planted beans this week and it was not just for fun, but it was fun. We are studying plants....get that one? Geez!!

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As a technology specialist in an elementary school I can tell you that your district did not mean showing a movie every Friday as your technology component. I don't know many school board employees that would consider a tv and movie "technology".

Now, tell me you have the kids on laptops, teaching them how to navigate with a touch pad or mouse, exploring sites like Starfall.com or utilizing CompassLearning or Riverdeep (Destination Success) or that you use an interactive whiteboard like a SMART board or Promethean board, then I might agree that you are using technology to increase learning.

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Ummm...yeah, our school uses technology. My Kindergarteners wrote, edited and "published"(printed) their own "imagination" story utilizing the classroom's PCs and word processing software. My 1st graders researched and prepared an oral report utilizing the internet. Oh, and this past month, my oldest participated in Project Starbase at the local military installation. That's where they built and fired rockets. They learned how to calculate numerous figures regarding trajectory, float/hang time, how wind speed and flow changed the path, etc. My 3rd grader has had an oral book report and science project every quarter this year. I can count on one hand the times they have watched an actual movie in class (That's two kids--one in 5th and one in 3rd), and I'm speaking of their entire school "career". Oh yeah, they have Native American studies, which brings in local Native Americans to teach history, art, culture, etc. My 3rd grader made pemican last week.
No, I'm not a teacher. Don't want to be. That's not what I aspired to be. Generally, 99% of teachers would probably qualify for Sainthood...unfortunately, there is the 1% you happen to belong to.

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Sorry, but it is technology. I use my laptop to show videos through united streaming and it is always part of my lesson. Showing Peter Pan during a real vs fantasy lesson week is using technology. I also use starfall and the others. I am not going to change what I do, because it works. I answer to my school and my parents/students. I have no problem at all with them. Showing a leap frog dvd is what finally helped one of my students learn his sounds and engaging them into this movie will help many get a better understanding of my lesson for this week, which I have taught all week using many different methods.

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Yes televisions are a form of technology, but I've never met a kindergartner that didn't know how to use one.

Peter pan might fit in with the real vs. fantasy lesson, but what about the other weeks?

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You do not know me or what kind of teacher I am. You are pathetic to judge me based on the fact that I show movies to my students. You would be very surprised if you spent a day in my classroom. I work very hard with my students, but we do have a lot of fun.

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Well it's obvious that you believe it is. I disagree.

United Streaming has it's uses, as a matter of fact, there are several US videos that deal with fantasy. A better teaching tool than Peter Pan, even for a K class.
My opinion...based on my experience. Take it or leave it.

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It is not to teach them how to use a t.v. It is just one way I use technology to enhance lessons. One week, we watched The Jungle book. We were studying animals and their habitats. Sometimes, we watch a movie just for fun. It is a for all PBS students and done school wide. I teach hard all week. I cover everything Mon.-Thur. Then Friday is a review day with a movie. It works well for me. My class is the only class not testing at risk right now. I engage them every day in every way I can and it makes a difference.

I am hurt that some people insinuate or just come out and say that I am a bad teacher. It is all I ever wanted to do and I love those kids more than I can say. I am very careful to make sure I give them the best education I can and it is just mean to attack me.

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It is okay if you do not agree. You have not attacked me and I thank you for that. It is a way to let the kids enjoy a movie after a hard week of work and to still keep it educational. We do the rest that you mentioned earlier in the week. At rest time on Friday, we wrap up the weeks lesson with a movie. It is during the state mandated rest time and it does no harm. The kids enjoy it and they still learn something. I love them all and I would not do them any harm.

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John Lennon

and you judged me because I said I, as a parent, would be torqued by Friday movie time. I didn't say anything about you. I just said I wouldn't be happy, and felt that an hour of outside play time would be better. It was an opinion.

And you'd be surprised at how smart I really am. You apparently think that anyone that isn't a teacher isn't allowed to comment on things that are done in a classroom. As a parent, it's not only my right but my duty to make sure that my children, and to some extent all children, receive an education that prepares them for the future. I happen to think that Friday movie is not necessarily an appropriate use of time. I think that there are other things that would be more educational and as much fun as a movie.
So, maybe you should learn a little bit of humility, be a little less defensive and consider that just because you are a certified teacher doesn't mean that you can't be wrong.

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Oh...and I'm not a teacher either, for what it's worth.

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I am wrong many times, but not this time. It is a difference in opinion is all. I see what works for my students and I do it. Actually, there is not much else we could do during that time, since it is done during the state mandated rest time. It is a perfect way for me to wrap up the week of hard work my kids have done and end with a fun movie that is related to what we have learned. There is no harm at all.

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"When you're drowning, you don't say 'I would be incredibly pleased if someone would have the foresight to notice me drowning and come and help me,' you just scream."

John Lennon

I have no doubt that you care about your students and want to do what's best for them. My thinking is that most kids spend too much time watching tv or playing video games as it is, without the school adding an extra 2 hours a week.

To me I think movies can be good as a special treat or reward, or if they specifically go with the lesson plan, but that's about it.

I also don't think that showing a movie once a week would actually make someone a bad teacher, not without taking into account what they do the other 38 hours of the week.

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I agree with you. That is why I show them during the state mandated rest time, as to not take it out of my actual teaching hours.

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That's an excellent suggestion.

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To the OP:
Sorry we hijacked your thread!

S

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groovy girl... dont worry about it, my kids are in 10th and 7th grade and I think alot of people get so uptight about school. I mean you teach kindergarten and i always thought having fun, learning and most importantly learning how to interact with your peers while in kindergarten was the key. You keep doing what you are doing and maybe some of the kids coming out of kindergarten wont be so uptight over what kind of grades they are getting or how much they can learn when they are 5 yrs old! which in reality isnt their idea but their parents freakin if a 5 yr old isnt reading on a 2nd grade level. Also you are showing movies once a week... so, i dont see what the big deal is about that.

steph

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I can't comment on what goes on in the lower grades, but I sub at a local High School and occasionally the kids watch movies. They have to have something to do with the subject. The English department watches the movie after reading the book, to help the students not only understand the book better, but to teach them to compare. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Rebecca, Of mice and men, are just some of the movies they watch. Conflict Resolution class watches Remember the Titans, Pay it forward and several other movies that deal with conflict. History classes watch many different movies that deal with changes in History over the years (Pearl Harbor, Civil War). The foreign language classes even watch The Lion King (in french). I don't have a problem with using movies as a teaching aide. I know at our school, the administration must approve all movies being shown, and if it is PG or R, the parents must sign a form and return it to the school. For the most part, the teachers don't abuse this, sometimes the class will consist of 40 minutes of actual in class teaching and then the last 40 minutes of class the students will be allowed to watch part of a movie.

Thanks. That is another thing. I work very hard to teach kindness in my room, something that is often neglected.

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I didn't read all the responses so if someone has already posted this, I apologize.

Is this the same movie?

"Twilight" - Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattison, Billy Burke. A high-school student (Kristen Stewart) is caught up in a romance with a vampire (Robert Pattison) whose family has renounced the drinking of blood."

Doesn't sound like a movie I'd want a 12-year old to watch

yup its the same movie!

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Saw it and loved it and my kids saw it too. The girls who are 9 and 11 loved it, but my almost 8 yr old ds thought it was boring. My 11 year old daughter is in the process of reading the first book and I have no problem with that. I've read them all and knowing her, she'll skip over the kissing stuff

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I think all parents should spend a couple of weeks in their kids classroom! The parents have NO idea what a teacher does and goes through on a daily basis! Most teachers care more about the kids they teach than the parents do I see it daily.

It's funny we had a staff meeting today (teacher work day) and they went over showing movies in the classroom. My principal told the staff basically that they better not be showing movies without administrative approval, and that they were not be using a movie as a reward or as "plans" for a sub. She also went over copyright law. Funny that we were just discussing this here.

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You are right in the case of a lot of my students. Most people have no clue, unless they have been there.

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Wow. No rewards, or just not a movie because of the copyright thing? I think even when they show them for the PBS(behavior) program, we are covered. Either way, we do not have to get every movie/video clip approved. Good thing, because I show a lot of educational clips throughout the day(3-5 minute clips).

I could show a movie every day during rest time if I wanted, but normally I just play sleepy on the c.d. player. Yesterday most all of them fell asleep during Peter Pan. It was storming out and it made them all sleepy.

I wonder if the "copyright" police ever showed up at a school anyway. lol

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The majority of the movies shown at the school I work at are actually copies that the teachers get from the school library. So, they have been approved before they ever reach the class. I don't see a problem with students watching movies, as long as they have an educational value.

Well, mostly the copyright thing. Some teachers use it when they don't feel like teaching or they have "other things to do". I know....totally wrong, but it happens.

I know a teacher that surfs Ebay on her laptop when she has classes in the media center and should be teaching. She puts on a Berenstain Bears video for one group, has another group checking out books, and another on Starfall or on a CD on the computer so she doesn't have to "teach" and can sit on her laptop and surf. She doesn't even watch the kids and what they are doing. It's horrible.

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Yes, that is bad!

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