Field trip...to the movies??

[Jillie]

Today dd1 comes home from Kindergarten with a note that they (all of the elementry) will be going to the movies on tuesday. : they will be seeing Alvin and the Chipmunks. : I don't like it. Why does the school need to take kids to the movies? And it's rated PG. She is very sensitive to things in movies and tv, I know its a chipmunks movie, but still. Of course she really is excited to go, but I don't really want to give permission because it is just not right to me. I know some people would say just let her go, but cant they just show a film in the gym or something?? We really don't do much tv or movies (she has only been to 2 movies in a theater ever). Anyone else think its just not right? What would you do?

[mommyoftwo]

Nope, I'm not into the idea for several reasons.

1. It is either going to be expensive for parents or money is being used that could be going towards more enriching activites like trips to a museum.

2. I decide which movies are ok for my kids. While I am OK with some PG movies for my kids, it is an unsafe assumption to think that all parents will be.

3. I would be concerned about having that many children supervised in a public theater.

Now you could just let her go ( and go with her) or keep her home and do something really fun instead if possible(what I would do).

I would definately call the teacher and principal and let them know that you do not feel that this is an appropriate use of their time or resources.

[MamaRabbit]

I was thinking, what about the previews? What about the materialism aspect?

I really don't like fieldtrips to places like that. ITA museum would be much better!

[s_kristina]

I'm shocked that an elementary would think taking children on a field trip to a movie is a good idea. There are many things that could make it not work out including the money aspect. When I was in high school Schindler's List came out and it was a huge deal that the school I was in took us to a theater to see that which is obviously an educational movie. The only field trips my dd's school do are to the local zoo a couple museums that isn't too far away or Kennedy Space Center. I thought all field trips had to be educational. I can't see any way that movie is educational.

[elspethshimon]

I don't like that AT ALL. Everything about that movie just seems wrong.

When we were in high school, one of my teachers took us to see Glory but that was obviously (like Schindler's List) historical and somewhat educational.


I don't remember any elementary school field trip that was purely recreational. Even when we went to see some folk band play in elementary school, they did a whole presentation about the instruments.

[Zach'smom]

Does your dc go to public or private school?

[Jillie]

public

[thixle]

I remember having a field trip to watch "Curly Sue" in elementary school- the theater was within walking distance and it was after standardized testing week- a treat.
We also went to ballets, operas, the planetarium, the wildlife preserve, and a few other places...
I don't like the idea, unless it is balanced. Theaters will often loan one screen during the week to local schools, mothers groups, churches, etc. so it's probably not costing the school anything.

They are probably intending it to be a holiday treat for the kids. Lots of kids have never had the opportunity to go out, sit still, and watch a movie on a big, big screen.

[Mom4tot]

I don't think that's appropriate at all.

[Narn]

I would complain. That is ridiculous.

[mamajama]

My little kindergartener would be so excited! I would be into it too and I'd go if I could. I think it's educational to go to the movies. It's social and fun. It would be such an adventure for them and I really don't think the Chipmunks movie is going to be inapropriate for them. I think that it's good when schools provide a variety of activities for kids including fun silly things like going to movies. Also, there are lots of kids at my kids' school who really probably can't go to movies with their familes because of the expense. This is a good way to provide for kids from low-income homes. I think it makes school more accessable and feel like more a part of the 'real world' when it extends beyond purely scholarly pursuits.

Is the trip going to include a little tour of the theatre?

ETA: Of course there's nothing wrong with opting out and teaching your kids why you are doing so! That is also a great learning opportunity and if handled well can be a great learning experience for everyone.

[kmeyrick]

Maybe it's a morale/school spirit/reward for some benchmark thing.

I would hate to endure 120 minutes of those nasty little nasal rodents.

They should have a pizza party or something safer.

[Ooey]

I don't really like it, but I believe in choosing your battles carefully especially with public school, so I probably wouldn't say anything. I'd go with her if I were you.

[Petronella]

I the only person who don't mind too much. As long as it doesn't become a thing the class does a lot, I don't think I'd complain. Actually, what I hate more is Alvin and the Chipmunks. Their voices give me a headache.

[mamajama]

Originally Posted by Petronella

I the only person who don't mind too much.

nope! Read a few posts above ya

[Twocoolboys]

I'd be ok with it. Actually, I remember taking field trips to the movies when I was in elementary school. I grew up in a very rural area and there weren't a lot of places to go within an hour's drive of the school for field trips, especially during the winter. We would take one "big" field trip a year to a museum or something that was an hour away or more, but we would also go to the movies at least once a year.

When we went, it was always a special showing just for the field trip. The theater would be packed with kids from other schools. It was never open to the public when we were there. It was always exciting and fun.

[utopia760]

i dont know im on the fence i think what i would be concerned about are the previews really. But im sure the school is only doing it as a fun christmas trip and they are not going to do it much more if at all. I think it would be fun for her really, i mean i understand so many reason why it might not be 100% best for her but its not going to kill her is it?

[mtiger]

I'd be thinking "Thank God I'm not sitting through it!" I really wouldn't see it as a big deal.

[mommy68]

You don't have to let your child go.

I don't agree with movies as a school field trip - but it is nearing Christmas and most schools are winding down and not doing a lot of school work at this point, just fun stuff. So I would probably allow my child to go. I'd likely chaperone though. I can't stand to think of my 5 yr old going to a movie theatre without me and her teacher trying to keep up with that many kids in a huge dark room. Scary thought. Kids that age don't sit still and don't listen very well.

[HollyBearsMom]

Another mom who has no issue with it. As a parent I can agree or not as I see fit. I have found that in my sons school there is *always* a parent who won't approve of whatever is planned outside of the school walls. And when it is me that doesn't agree/approve I think it is a great teaching moment. Real life examples are great ways for kids to learn ideas, values, etc.

As an anecdotal example:

I am one of 2 class parents for my sons K class. We planned a school skating outing. We rented the local rink for an hour. We organized a skate trade so that everyone would have skates. We made sure that the rink had chairs to hold onto, etc. We had car pools set up so transportation was not an issue. Our thoughts were fun and exercise, what could be bad?? Boy were we way off mark. One mother was so offended. "What were thinking?? Skates? Ice? WAY too dangerous for 6 years old!! Didn't we know about head injuries from skating? Fingers getting sliced by too sharp skates?" She sent the most scathing email to us and cc'd the head of the lower school. So what seemed like fun to us was thought to be dangerous to another. I think it is near impossible to please every single family.