1. Using Movies and Music in Confirmation Retreats
Young people today and very connected to and influenced by the mediums of film and music
We can tap into this by using movies and music as part of our overall retreat experience
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2. Two main questions: What are you using? Why are you using it?
We must never use film or music as a “filler” but as a means of moving forward or expanding upon our message
Thus we must always as “what is the purpose of the piece
And why am I using it this specific point in the presentation
Film and music can be used to either excite the imagination or moving the participant to reflection

3. What are you using? What about copyright?
Is there one image or one scene that is most useful?
Is there any theological ‘issue’ with the piece? Can you work through that?
Understanding the copyright laws as they apply to your specific situation is very important
A call to your Diocesan communications office will often resolve any questions you have.
When choosing an image or scene from a much longer work it is important to preview the material and have it set to exactly the scene or image you are looking for
You previewing the material in its entirety will prevent surprise issues arising that you would have to deal with on the spot

4. There are copyright appropriate solutions.
There are copyright appropriate solutions available such as FILMclips for Character
Education which offer royalty free clips from major films all selected for thematic references

5. Why are you using it? This is the most important question.
What’s the point?
What’s the message you want them to have
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6. Four steps to using movies or music
Pre-instructions:
“This is about…”
“Watch for…”
“You will need to…”
Tip: Handing out the lyrics of the song at this point may really improve responses.
This lets the young people know what the goal is.
Don’t watch a movie and ‘hope’ for example that they see the parallels between the father in the movie and our heavenly father.
Tell them. “This clip is great for thinking about how our heavenly Father loves us.
Watch for the ways in which Michael’s father shows his love in the movie.” Now you’ve set them up for success!
For music – think of giving them the lyrics in advance.
That way, they can underline or circle significant words or ideas rather than be rushed to write words down as the song plays.
Specific examples of using this with song lyrics can be found on the Novalis – Gifted by God retreat DVD

7. Post-instructions: Repeat the goal of the activity
“so you are now going to…”
Journal?
Share with a partner?
Write 3 words to describe the character?
Finish the story?

8. De-brief it “Who would like to begin the sharing?”
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A think-pair-share strategy works well here.
This is a good teaching tip that is well explained in the Gifted by God Retreat Kit DVD by Novalis.

9. Repeat the clip –movie or music
“Let’s watch (or listen) one more time.”
You may choose to show it immediately following the discussion or you may save it for the end of the day.
Either way it consolidates the learning and helps the young people to recall the key message.

10. Young people today appreciate visuals and music.
They are often plugged into earphones while working on other tasks.
Use these media as a way to enhance the great activities you will have planned.
The language of technology is the language of today’s young people …
Tap into technology …and enhance your retreat!
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