Introduction
Kiki’s Delivery Service, a 1989 animated film by renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, has been capturing the hearts of audiences for more than three decades. The movie tells the story of Kiki, a young witch who sets out on her own to find her place in the world and ends up using her broom-riding skills to open a delivery service in a beautiful seaside town. As educators, we can take inspiration from this timeless classic to teach our students valuable life lessons while also inspiring creativity and imagination.
Lesson 1. Embracing Independence
The main protagonist, Kiki, is tasked with striking out on her own at only 13 years old to experience life and develop her skills as a witch. This rite of passage teaches students the importance of independence and self-reliance but also offers an opportunity for educators to discuss the challenges that come with it. Teachers can engage students in conversations about their thoughts on what it means to be independent and how they plan to eventually become self-sufficient individuals.
Lesson 2. Overcoming Adversity
Throughout the movie, Kiki faces numerous hurdles, such as finding a place to live and learning how to fly properly. She even experiences an unexpected loss of her powers at one point in the story. By discussing these struggles with our students, we can help them understand that adversity is a natural part of life and that it’s essential to face difficulties with courage and determination.
Lesson 3. Valuing Friendship
Kiki learns valuable lessons about friendship as she interacts with various characters throughout the movie. For instance, when Tombo, another young character in the film, shows curiosity about her witch abilities, Kiki initially bristles at his intrusion into her life but soon learns to appreciate their unlikely friendship. Teachers can use Kiki and Tombo’s relationship as an example to demonstrate the importance of being open-minded and accepting, even when faced with people who may seem different from themselves.
Lesson 4. Nurturing Creativity and Imagination
Kiki’s Delivery Service showcases a world filled with magic, witches, cat companions, and flying broomsticks – all of which can serve as a fabulous backdrop for fostering creativity and imagination in our students. Teachers might consider having their students write stories, create artwork, or even produce short films inspired by the film’s magical world or their own imaginative ideas.
Lesson 5. Believing in Yourself
Throughout the film, Kiki deals with moments of self-doubt but ultimately learns to believe in her abilities. This lesson is especially relevant for young people who can feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. By discussing Kiki’s journey, educators can encourage students to believe in their own talents and trust that they can accomplish great things if they persevere.
Conclusion
By incorporating Kiki’s Delivery Service into the classroom curriculum, educators not only introduce their students to a beautiful piece of art but also provide important life lessons. Ultimately, when we encourage children to embrace independence, overcome adversity, value friendship, nurture their creativity, and believe in themselves, we inspire them to be confident and imaginative individuals capable of making a positive impact on the world around them.
