
To show or not to show a movie in class?
This question divides many educators. Some firmly avoid using films in the classroom, viewing them as a distraction from “real” learning. Others—myself included—see them as a powerful tool to spark curiosity, encourage deep reflection, and engage students in meaningful conversations. In this post, I share how I use an October Sky movie lesson to launch the school year with purpose and inspiration—creating a shared experience that invites students to reflect on ambition, resilience, and the value of learning.
Why Start the Year with a Movie?
The first days of school are unlike any other. Students are back from a long break, still shaking off summer but not yet buried in homework or routines. It’s a brief window of freshness—perfect for creating connection, capturing imagination, and offering inspiration that might carry through the year.
A thoughtfully chosen film can provide that spark. It welcomes students gently into critical thinking, builds a shared experience for the class, and invites them to reflect on big ideas—without overwhelming them in those early days. It’s not about filling time. It’s about making time meaningful.
Of course, everything depends on what we choose and how we offer it. Not all films are created equal—and not all viewing experiences are equally powerful. But when used intentionally, a movie can become the spark for a rich educational journey.
My go-to choice: October Sky
This year, I’ll be showing October Sky (1999, directed by Joe Johnston) again. Last year, it was a huge hit with my 7th and 8th graders, and I can’t wait to share it with a new group of students.
What it’s about
Based on Homer Hickam’s memoir Rocket Boys, October Sky tells the story of a teenager growing up in the 1950s coal-mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia. Like most boys in town, Homer is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a miner. But everything changes when he watches Sputnik cross the night sky—and dares to dream of building rockets instead.
What follows is a story of determination, setbacks, unlikely friendships, and the quiet power of education. Homer faces ridicule from his community, resistance from his father, and the limitations of his environment. But with the help of his friends—and a passionate, supportive science teacher—he begins to chart a new course.
“I come to believe that I got it in me to be somebody in this world.”
Homer Hickam, October Sky
What Makes It So Powerful?
This film resonates deeply with middle and high school students. It invites them to reflect on their own dreams, to imagine different futures, and to ask what kind of effort and support those dreams require.
More than that, October Sky champions the value of learning. It doesn’t glorify shortcuts or overnight success—messages our students are bombarded with online. Instead, it shows the slow, steady work of building something meaningful: effort, failure, growth, and perseverance.
Another powerful thread is the role of mentors. Whether it’s a teacher, a historical figure, or even a complicated parent, October Sky reminds us that none of us gets anywhere alone. For students beginning a new school year—and for the teachers guiding them—this message is both humbling and hopeful.
How to Make It a Learning Experience
While the story itself is compelling, I strongly recommend taking the time to unpack it with your students. Themes like personal ambition, resilience, education, sacrifice, and mentorship deserve space for discussion and reflection.
To support this work, I’ve created a set of classroom materials that help students engage more deeply with the film. These resources include individual and group activities that prompt students to reflect on their own goals, examine the role of education in their lives, and identify the mentors who might help them grow. You can use the worksheets in class or assign them as homework to set the stage for a rich classroom conversation.
If you’d like to explore these resources, you’ll find them here!
What Do You Think?
What about you? Have you ever started the school year with a movie? Do you have a favorite film to inspire students and build community in the first weeks of class? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Wishing you a meaningful start to the school year—
and may we all keep looking up.
Chiara