| Families of the World | ||
| Families of Costa Rica | ||
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| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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The benefits of English-speaking students seeing how their foreign-born counterparts live around the world are obvious. A plethora of cultural differences season the globe. Opening young minds to the daily lives of kids in different countries gives them a better understanding and appreciation for citizens everywhere. It also encourages kids to see alternative ways of doing things as fun, fruitful and interesting, rather than scary or threatening. In this installment of the "Families of the World" DVD series, we are introduced to two bright kids from Costa Rica, one rural and one urban. These (2) 15 minute stories are narrated clearly by American kids of similar age. Each segment begins as the day begins, the ten-year-old wakes to start the day. American kids will know the general scenario -- Mom and/or Dad getting ready for work, breakfast, and the trip to school. These similarities are the hook, the differences are the curiosity. What does breakfast look like? How about the bedroom, the kitchens, the domestic animals, the road to school, the school itself? Both kids (one a boy, one a girl) talk about their day with a relaxed, kid-on-the-street demeanor, and they've both got great attitudes about school. Personally, I found the relaxed technical aspects of the production refreshing. There's nothing flashy -- no snappy animations, or punch transitions -- just great content. In addition to the social and cultural information, seems filmmakers made an effort to include at least one Science Ed topic in each segment. The two included on this reel in sort of a passing teaser are the effect the moon has on tides and the use of solar ovens. Both of these topics integrate seamlessly as part of a "day in the life" of our two students. Having been to over 30 countries myself and having produced a video series in a similar vein some years back, I expected to do some yawning here. But, in fact, I was glued to the production. If the other installments in this series are of the same quality as "Costa Rica" -- I'd be showing them in my classroom where I you. |
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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
