Kindness Corner: 5th Graders Reflect on the Film "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"

Hebrew Academy 5th grade students joined the Middle School for a screening of “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” This film, featuring the true story of Fred Rogers, was all about kindness, and the idea that it only takes one person to inspire a world of kindness. Students used the film to continue the conversation about kindness and chesed at Hebrew Academy. Here are some  5th graders thoughts about the film:

Emma Attias, Fifth Grade

"I liked the message of the movie because  it talks about kindness and helping others. It  shows that not only can kids be angry, but adults can be angry too.  The movie also teaches the message that you need to be patient with others because you don’t know what they may be going through.  I liked that the movie featured adults and not kids because then more people will want to watch the movie and it may help them. Lastly, the movie shows that no matter what you’re going through, talking about your situation will help.  I would recommend the movie to people who are having a hard time handling their issues and also to people who need to learn to be more open to talk about their emotions."

Liel Kadosh, Fifth Grade

"The message of the movie was that people can change, and it takes a lot of courage to change.  It also shows that you have to be grateful for what you have even in difficult times -- and not when it’s too late.  Lloyd was only grateful for his family, his dad and his sister at the end, when his dad is dying. I would recommend the book to my family and friends because of the messages.  I would also suggest this movie for people who are unstable and having a hard time controlling their thoughts and emotions."

Shira Budwick, Fifth Grade

"I think that the messages of the movie were to always be kind -- no matter how hard things get, that you can always turn to someone when you need to, and that if you get mad you can talk about it with someone. I would recommend this movie to kids from fourth to eighth grade because I think that older kids might be able to relate to the movie more and that might help them appreciate it more.  I would also recommend the movie to people who may need to work on being more open to talk about their emotions."