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Further Resources

Here are additional linked or related resources that can provide you with information and inspiration how to adopt a more human scale approach.

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Recommended films with relationships being a transformative educational experience at the heart of them:

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  1. Dead Poets Society (1989):

    • Plot: A new English teacher, Mr. Keating, inspires his students at a conservative all-boys prep school to challenge the status quo and appreciate poetry and life.

    • Themes: Teacher-student relationships, mentorship, self-expression, and personal growth.

  2. Good Will Hunting (1997):

    • Plot: Will Hunting, a janitor with extraordinary mathematical talents, forms a deep bond with a therapist, Dr. Sean Maguire, who helps him confront his past and unlock his potential.

    • Themes: Friendship, mentorship, healing, and self-discovery.

  3. The Pursuit of Happiness (2006):

    • Plot: Based on a true story, the film follows Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who forms a strong bond with his young son while trying to overcome homelessness and achieve success.

    • Themes: Parent-child relationships, perseverance, and hope.

  4. Freedom Writers (2007):

    • Plot: A teacher, Erin Gruwell, connects with her at-risk high school students by encouraging them to write their stories, fostering a powerful bond and helping them see a brighter future.

    • Themes: Empowerment, social issues, and the transformative power of education.

  5. The Intouchables (2011): 

    • Plot: A wealthy quadriplegic man and his caregiver, from vastly different backgrounds, form an unlikely but deep friendship that changes both of their lives.

    • Themes: Friendship, overcoming adversity, and personal growth.

  6. Akeelah and the Bee (2006):

    • Plot: A young girl from a disadvantaged background develops a strong relationship with her coach, Dr. Larabee, as she prepares for a national spelling bee.

    • Themes: Mentorship, determination, and the power of community.

  7. Remember the Titans (2000):

    • Plot: The story of a high school football team in the racially segregated South, where a coach and his players must learn to work together and form bonds despite their differences.

    • Themes: Teamwork, leadership, and overcoming prejudice.

  8.  Stand and Deliver (1988)

    • Plot: Based on a true story, Jaime Escalante is a high school math teacher in East Los Angeles who transforms his students' lives by teaching them calculus. Despite skepticism and challenges, he helps his students achieve success, proving that with the right support, they can overcome obstacles.

    • Themes: Overcoming adversity, belief in potential, and the power of education.

  9. The Chorus (Les Choristes) (2004)

    • Plot: Set in post-World War II France, this film follows Clément Mathieu, a music teacher who takes a job at a strict boarding school for troubled boys. Through the power of music, he transforms the students' lives, particularly a talented but rebellious boy.

    • Themes: Redemption, the healing power of music, and mentorship.

  10.  Swing (2002)

    • Plot: Directed by Tony Gatlif, Swing follows the story of Max, a young boy who becomes fascinated with gypsy culture and music. He meets and forms a strong bond with a Romani guitarist named Miraldo, who teaches him to play the guitar. Through their relationship, Max gains a deep appreciation for Romani culture and jazz, and his life is transformed.

    • Themes: Cultural exchange, mentorship, and the transformative power of music.​

Recommended films with relationships being a transformative educational experience at the heart of them:

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  1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:

    • Plot: The story of Scout Finch, a young girl in the racially segregated South, who learns about morality, justice, and empathy through her relationship with her father, Atticus Finch.

    • Themes: Justice, racial inequality, and moral growth.

  2. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio:

    • Plot: A young boy with a facial difference navigates school for the first time, forming deep friendships that help him grow and find acceptance.

    • Themes: Kindness, empathy, and the power of friendship.

  3. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak:

    • Plot: During World War II, a young girl named Liesel forms strong bonds with her foster parents and a Jewish man they hide, learning about love, loss, and the power of words.

    • Themes: Friendship, resilience, and the impact of literature.

  4. "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd:

    • Plot: A young girl, Lily Owens, finds refuge with a group of strong women who run a bee farm, and through their love and support, she heals from her troubled past.

    • Themes: Motherhood, healing, and the power of community.

  5. "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom:

    • Plot: A former student reconnects with his old college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who imparts life lessons during their weekly visits as he battles a terminal illness.

    • Themes: Mentorship, life lessons, and the meaning of relationships.

  6. "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman:

    • Plot: A grumpy, lonely man finds new purpose and connection when he reluctantly befriends his new neighbours.

    • Themes: Community, kindness, and second chances.

  7. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green:

    • Plot: The story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who form a deep bond while dealing with the challenges of living with cancer.

    • Themes: Love, mortality, and finding meaning in life.

  8. Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

  • Plot: The story follows Mitch Albom, a former student who reconnects with his college professor, Morrie Schwartz, as Morrie faces a terminal illness. Through their weekly meetings, Mitch learns valuable life lessons about love, work, family, and death.

  • Themes: Mentorship, life lessons, and the enduring bond between teacher and student.

  9.   "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" by James Hilton

  • Plot: The novel tells the story of Mr. Chipping, a beloved schoolteacher at an English boys' school. His gentle, kind nature and dedication to his students leave a lasting impact on generations of boys, even as the world around him changes.

  • Themes: Legacy, dedication, and the influence of a compassionate teacher.

10.    "To Sir, With Love" by E.R. Braithwaite

  • Plot: An autobiographical novel that tells the story of Rick Braithwaite, a black engineer who becomes a teacher in a tough London school. He initially faces resistance from his unruly students, but over time, he earns their respect and transforms their lives through his patience, discipline, and empathy.

  • Themes: Racism, respect, and the transformative power of education.

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