Hey, How Was the Movie?
Watch a short movie, take notes on story and characters, rate scenes, and create an illustrated one-page review to share your opinion.
About this activity
Watch a short movie, take notes on story and characters, rate scenes, and create an illustrated one-page review to share your opinion.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose a short movie to watch with an adult's help.
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Step 2
Make a comfy quiet place to watch the movie so you can focus.
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Step 3
Gather your paper pencil eraser coloring materials and sticky notes.
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Step 4
Press play and watch the movie all the way through.
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Step 5
After the movie write the three most important events of the story on your paper using short sentences.
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Step 6
Write the names of the main characters and one describing word for each.
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Step 7
Pick three scenes you remember and give each scene a rating from 1 to 5 stars on your notes.
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Step 8
Choose which one scene will be your illustration on the one-page review.
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Step 9
Lightly divide your paper into sections for a title summary characters ratings and an illustration with a pencil.
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Step 10
In the illustration section sketch the chosen scene and the characters.
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Step 11
Color and decorate your drawing and the rest of the page.
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Step 12
Add a title at the top of the page.
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Step 13
Write two short sentences that explain what you liked or did not like about the movie.
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Step 14
Copy the three scene ratings and the words about the characters into their named sections on your page.
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Step 15
Share your finished one-page review on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you do the "Hey, How Was the Movie?" activity?
Pick a short movie (5–30 minutes) and watch it all the way through once. On a second quick watch, pause to jot notes about the plot, main characters, and favorite moments. Rate each scene or key moment (1–5 stars). On one page, draw an illustrated header, write a short summary, include character notes, your scene ratings, and a final recommendation. Share and discuss the one-page review with family or classmates.
What materials do I need for the activity?
You’ll need a short, age-appropriate movie (streaming, DVD, or downloaded), a notebook or printable review sheet, pencils and an eraser, colored pencils or markers for illustrations, and sticky notes for quick scene ratings. Optional: a tablet or camera for screenshots, a ruler for neat layout, and stickers for younger kids. If using online content, have parental controls and supervision in place.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
This activity works for ages about 5–12 with adjustments: ages 5–7 benefit from adult help with note-taking and rating and from a simple template; ages 8–11 can take notes and illustrate independently with short prompts; ages 12+ can add more detailed criticism, comparisons, and design choices. Choose film length and complexity appropriate to the child’s reading and attention level.
What are the benefits of doing this movie review activity?
Making a one-page illustrated review builds listening and reading comprehension, critical thinking, and sequencing skills. It encourages planning (note-taking), expressive writing, and visual storytelling. Sharing reviews boosts confidence and communication skills and teaches respectful opinions. The activity also helps children learn to evaluate media thoughtfully and can spark family conversations about themes, characters, and values.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of sticky notes or special coloring supplies listed in the materials?
If you don't have sticky notes or fancy coloring materials, cut small squares of scrap paper to mark scenes and use crayons, markers, or colored pens from the 'Gather your paper, pencil, eraser, coloring materials and sticky notes' step to color the illustration.
What should we do if we miss parts of the movie or can't pick the three most important events?
If you miss details or struggle to pick the three most important events, pause and rewind while watching and place sticky notes or jot quick words on scrap paper during 'Press play and watch the movie all the way through' so you can later write clear short sentences.
How can this activity be adapted for younger or older children?
For preschoolers, simplify by choosing a very short movie and letting an adult write the 'three most important events' and character words while the child draws the illustration, and for older kids add a fourth section with a short paragraph and more detailed star ratings before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the one-page review beyond the basic instructions?
To extend the activity, turn the 'illustration' and 'color and decorate your drawing' step into a mini-poster by adding a border, stickers, and a comparison box that rates two favorite scenes side-by-side and then upload the finished one-page review to DIY.org.