Note: Since this is a short film and not a full-length feature film, the packet information will be more condensed. This was provided to members as a BONUS review – Enjoy!
Discussion Questions:
- When other people find out Alex can fly and is ‘different’ they seem scared of him and won’t let their children near him. Has anyone ever acted this way around you? Have you ever felt like other people didn’t want to talk to or play with you because you were different? What did you do?
[Caregiver Note: Most of us have experienced this feeling at some point in our lives, but it can be especially common in children who are ‘different’ as those in foster and adoptive families are often labeled. Talking about this with a child can provide some insight into what their social interactions are like outside of the home and with peers. This can also be a time to talk about coping skills and strategies for dealing with situations like this that might arise in the future.]
- Alex just wants to be himself and play at the park. However, his dad won’t let him and makes him leave the playground. How does this make Alex feel? How can you tell he’s feeling this way?
[Caregiver note: Because there is no dialogue this is a great opportunity to look at body language and what feelings it might demonstrate. Alex is frustrated and angry. We can tell this because he is screaming and hitting/kicking. This can prompt a discussion with the child about what ‘angry’ or ‘frustrated’ looks like in them. Talk about how their body feels when they have these emotions. Does their heart rate or breathing change? Do they feel hotter or colder, light or heavy? Children who have experienced trauma may have difficulty recognizing and naming emotions to talking about what their body feels like during different situations can be a way to help them improve their emotional awareness.
- When Alex’s dad yelled at him and wished he could be normal, how did that make Alex feel? How can we tell?
[Caregiver Note: This is very similar to the previous question, though now Alex is hurt/sad/shut down, so the child should describe different emotions than previously and different body sensations. The body might feel cold, or heavy, they might feel like their heart rate or breathing slows down, rather than speeds up as with anger. This can also be an opportunity to talk about the differences in the different reactions Alex has]
- Alex is able to fly, which is something most kids can’t do. If you could have any super power what would it be?
[Caregiver note: This question is just an opportunity for some fun bonding conversation. Many children enjoy stories about superheroes and like the idea of having a magical ability. A follow up activity could involve drawing pictures of themselves with their superpower.]
- Alex’s ability to fly makes him different, but as his dad realizes, it also makes him special. What’s something about you that makes you special?
[Caregiver Note: This may be difficult for children do to, especially if they are younger or have issues with low self-esteem. This can be an opportunity for you to help them list some of their ‘differences’ and discuss how those differences can be strengths and the value of being unique.]
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About the Author: Jenn Ehlers
Jenn is a central Virginia native who received her BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2012. Since then she has worked for a local mental health agency and the Department of Social Services in various capacities and has been involved in her community’s efforts to create a Trauma Informed Network. Currently Jenn works in vocational rehab and mentors youth in foster care. When she isn’t working, Jenn enjoys writing stories, anything and everything Harry Potter, and spending time with her niece and nephew.
**Transfiguring Adoption is a nonprofit organization seeking to nurture growth in foster and adoptive families by giving a HOOT about their families. Transfiguring Adoption does not intend for its reviewers nor its review to be professional, medical or legal advice. These reviews and discussion guides are intended to help parents to better be able to connect and understand their children who come from traumatic backgrounds.
