Talespinners, for ages 5-9, includes seven tales of children who confront challenges with ingenuity and creativity. Each story brings facets of a different cultural community to the screen, through a setting, accent, folk element, tradition, particular food or vocabulary. Young viewers will be captivated by the adventures and determination of the Talespinners’ children. This collection includes four original tales and three inspired by books. The stories have particular appeal to modern kids growing up in a complicated world.
In this animated short, a young girl and her father move from China to Canada, bringing only their Chinese violin along for the journey. As they face the challenge of starting fresh in a new place, the music of the violin connects them to the life they left behind and guides the girl towards a musical future.
Part of the Talespinners collection, which uses vibrant animation to bring popular children’s stories from a wide range of cultural communities to the screen.
Ages 8 to 9
Study Guide - Guide 1
Arts Education - Music
Ethics and Religious Culture - Religious Diversity/Heritage
Health/Personal Development - Bullying & Discrimination
This film deals with many themes. Use it to begin a unit on China. Ask students to find China on a map. Have students research the Chinese violin and, if interest is there, instruments from other countries. Make instruments and put on a musical performance. Older students can discuss the immigration experience and immigrants’ rights to proper housing, employment and safety.