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Hey Reader!

Losing a friend is never easy... even if it isn't a human friend.

This really hit home this past week in our family.

My 13 year old son loves chickens. A few years ago we were blessed with Hank, the silky rooster. Hank was such a comical little fella... and everyone loved to meet him when they came to our house.

Unfortunately, Hank got very sick a few days before my son left for summer camp and passed away while my son was at camp.

My sweet son was heartbroken.

I asked my son what he learned from his recent experience. He said something I will never forget: "I learned that we might never know when it is the last time we will be with a loved one. It's important not to take our time together for granted."

This week's movie selection, "My Octopus Teacher," touches on a similar theme of deep bonds that can form between a human and an animal. In this moving documentary, a filmmaker forges a life-changing relationship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest.

As you consider this movie, I invite you to reflect on the relationships in your own life, whether they are with people, pets, or any part of nature. How do these connections shape who you are, and how do you cherish the moments you have with them?

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Let's dive in! 🤿 My Octopus Teacher

👉Click Here to DOWNLOAD A FREE RESOURCE: My Octopus Teacher Color by Number Activity My Octopus Teacher Movie Guide Color by Number.pdf​

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Brief Summary: "My Octopus Teacher" is a captivating documentary that explores the remarkable bond between a filmmaker and an octopus living in a South African kelp forest. The filmmaker, who is searching for a deeper connection with nature, dives into the ocean every day to visit a female common octopus. As the days pass, he observes the intelligent and resourceful behaviors of the octopus as it evades predators, hunts for food, and explores its underwater world. The film beautifully captures the life cycle of the octopus, showcasing the profound impact that this unique relationship has on the filmmaker's life. Through stunning underwater cinematography, "My Octopus Teacher" reveals the complex emotional world of a seemingly alien creature and the transformative power of connection with nature.

Streaming Service: Netflix

Rating: PG

Duration: 1h 25m

Release Date: 2020

Subject Areas: Life Science/Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Social-Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Themes: Empathy, Connection, Curiosity, Resilience, Adaptation, Mindfulness, Grieving and Loss

Science Topics:

• Animal Behavior
• Animal Cognition
• Ecology of Kelp Forests
• Adaptation
• Survival Strategies
• Life Cycles
• Predator-Prey Relationships

What I Love:

• Students will learn so much about the octopus, its intelligence and its resourcefulness. In many ways the octopus demonstrates more intelligence than we might expect from a non-mammal sea creature.
• The narrator/filmmaker is consistent and patient in his interactions with the octopus, which persuades the octopus to literally reach out to him and form a connection.
• Even though predators constantly threaten the octopus, the narrator/filmmaker does not interfere for fear of upsetting the delicate balance of the natural ecosystem.
• The cinematography is amazing!
• This film connects the beautiful nature documentaries we so love with the deeply personal experiences of the humans who make the documentaries.

Things to Consider:

• Marine organisms eat each other and flee from predators.
• The "star" of the film, a common octopus, loses an arm after being attacked by a shark.
• The featured octopus goes through a full life cycle, including reproduction and death.
• The death of the octopus involves a shark ripping it up and eating it. It may be difficult for some students to watch, especially since the film does such a terrific job endearing the octopus to viewers.
• The word "hell" is used.
• Some of the narrator/filmmaker's monologues, which are sprinkled into the film at various moments, might go over the heads of younger students.

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👉DON'T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD THIS FREE RESOURCE: My Octopus Teacher Color by Number Activity My Octopus Teacher Movie Guide Color by Number.pdf

If you are interested in the complete classroom resource for "My Octopus Teacher," which features a movie guide, post-movie quiz, crossword puzzle, wordsearch and the color by number activity, click on the image below. This resource will be 50% off today only.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and any stories you'd like to share about the remarkable friendships in your life. Your comments and ideas could be included in my blog post 💗

Cheers!

Stephanie

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