Yesterday – the Church declared 2 kids to be canonized Saints.
Carlo and Pier.
Both very young teens or 20s.
One a hiker, a pipe smoker and another a website making, shades wearing- Catholic.
For the hiker – Pier – it took 100 years before he got canonized.
For the website maker – Carlo – it took only a few years because he died 10+ years ago.
We watched the canonization live via YT / EWTN.
Then we watched the new DOCUMENTARY MOVIE / DRAMA about Pier – w/c is here – above.
Watch with your family!
TIPS FOR PARENTS TO
A) Get kids off gadgets
B) Get kids to talk to you/each other
C) Get kids become interested in Saints.
TO DO:
Gather kids on Sunday. Tell them no tiny screens. It’s time for this movie.
Before watching : Tell them we’ll do a RETELL at the end of the movie. “Do not leave.”
After watching : Ask them to RE-TELL EACH ONE.
HOW TO RETELL:
Here’s how Charlotte Mason retelling works if you use it for a movie :
After watching the movie, you tell the story back in your own words, from the beginning to the end.
You don’t copy the exact lines or scenes, but explain what happened as if you are telling a friend who has not seen it yet.
You should include the main characters, what they did, and the big events that moved the story forward.
If you forget small parts, that’s okay, because the goal is to remember and explain the most important parts.
Sometimes you can add how you felt about a scene or what surprised you, because that shows you really understood it.
If the teacher asks, you might write your retelling down, but usually it’s spoken out loud.
This kind of retelling makes you pay more attention while watching, because you know you’ll have to share the story later.
WHY DO THIS?
So your brain remembers and understands it better.
Example (short movie retelling – Finding Nemo)
A little clownfish named Nemo is taken from the ocean by a diver.
His father, Marlin, swims across the sea to find him.
On the way, Marlin meets a forgetful fish named Dory who helps him.
They face dangers like sharks, jellyfish, and a whale.
Meanwhile, Nemo makes friends in a fish tank and tries to escape.
At the end, Marlin and Nemo find each other again and go home safely.
Sample Parent / Kid Interaction
Parent: “We just watched the movie—can you tell me the story in your own words?”
Kid: “Nemo got caught by a diver and his dad Marlin went to look for him.”
Parent: “Good start! What happened to Marlin on the way?”
Kid: “He met Dory and they had adventures with sharks, jellyfish, and even a whale.”
Parent: “Yes, that’s right. What was Nemo doing during that time?”
Kid: “He was in a fish tank with other fish and planned to escape.”
Parent: “And how did it end?”
Kid: “Marlin and Nemo found each other and went home.”
Parent: “Perfect—you remembered the big parts of the story.”
FAQ
Q: Does the retelling have to be exact?
A: No, it should be in your own words.
Q: What if the child forgets something?
A: That’s okay—each time they practice, they notice and remember more.
Q: Should it be long or short?
A: It can be as short as a few sentences or longer if the child wants.
Q: Do they have to write it down?
A: Not always—most times it’s spoken, but older kids can write too.
Q: Why do this instead of asking quiz questions?
A: Retelling makes the child pay attention, remember, and explain clearly, which grows real understanding.
Let me know via [email protected] if this is helpful.
