The Smurfs were some of my favorite cartoon characters when I was a child. Their happy song and commitment to working together resonated with me. The newest SMURFS movie dives more deeply into what it means to be a Smurf, explaining how they discover their own unique identity and purpose in the universe.
Smurfette, No Name Smurf, and Papa Smurf face both collective and individual challenges as they seek to understand their place in their community. Watch the movie with children ages 5+ and use one or more of the following activities to explore this theme together.
Imagining Harmony. The movie begins with a backstory about a universe filled with peace and harmony before evil sorcerers try to take away all the things that bring joy to the world. Invite children to imagine a harmonious world using a guided meditation. Say: Close your eyes and take a deep breath in (pause) and let it out. (pause) Imagine you are looking down at the earth from the sky. (pause) Everywhere you look, there is joy and peace. (pause) You see people taking care of the earth. What are they doing? (pause) You hear children playing together. How are they acting? (pause) You see people working together. How are they helping each other? (pause) Take a deep breath in (pause) and let it out (pause), then open your eyes. Encourage children to share what they imagined.
Finding a Name. No Name Smurf is without a true name because he has not figured out his special talent. He has tried many things but nothing seems to fit. Invite children to imagine they are Smurfs. Ask: What are your special talents? What would your Smurf name(s) be? Encourage them to draw themselves as a Smurf using their talent. Suggest that they write their Smurf name(s) below their picture.
Feeling Different. No Name talks with Smurfette about feeling different because he doesn’t have a special contribution. Smurfette also feels different because she was created by Gargamel. Ask children: If you were friends with No Name and Smurfette, what would you say when they talk about feeling different? Encourage them to act out possible conversations, with one person playing themselves and another playing No Name or Smurfette.
Keeping Secrets. Papa Smurf thought he was protecting the others by being secretive, but when he was taken by Razamel, the Smurfs were confused and afraid. Ask children: If you were Papa Smurf, what would you have done? Suggest that they use a decision matrix to plot out the pros and cons of different options.
Guarding the Good. The Smurfs learn that their larger purpose is to protect the world’s goodness. Ask children: What threatens the peace and harmony of your community? How might you be a protector of the world’s goodness? Pick one or two ideas and discuss how you might put them into action. Start by creating a slogan or chant, e.g., “Being kind is cool!” or “Use less plastic, save a turtle!”
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