“Encanto” Movie Programming Ideas
One does not need to be a child to enjoy the Disney film “Encanto,” due to its involving plot, humor, and wonderful music. Many libraries are holding “Encanto” film showings, some with a sing-along element. Of course, if you hold a movie showing, be sure to have the film license: Movie and TV Show Licensing from Swank Motion Pictures.
The story focuses on the Madrigal family in Colombia, where each member has a special magical power, except young teen Mirabel. The cast of voice actors are all Latinx, with music by Lin Manuel Miranda. It is ideal for a library program that really appeals to all ages.
To make the event more exciting, add some games and crafts before or after the film showing. Some families may have already seen the film so they may want to stay just for the activities. Many of these projects celebrate Latino culture, too. You can also add some refreshments from Latino culture, especially if you can partner with a local vendor or restaurant specializing in that cuisine.
You can also offer most of these activities as “passive programming” in the library, where families enjoy a more casual programming atmosphere.
Crafts
Tissue Paper Flower Bracelets: Tissue Paper Flower Bracelet Craft for Kids – Buggy and Buddy.
Egg Shaker Maracas: Kids Craft: Egg Shaker Maracas – Happiness is Homemade.
Rain Cloud Mobile: Recycled Crayon Rain Cloud Craft – Natural Beach Living.
Bird Origami Finger Puppets: Easy Bird Finger Puppet Origami – Red Ted Art – Make crafting with kids easy & fun.
Casita Doors: Give each child a door-sized piece of brown wrapping paper. Then, each child can decorate the “door” with their name, and other images that celebrate their interests. Let the kids take home the “door” posters.
Activities
Encanto Online Games: Disney: Encanto Matching – Disney Channel Games (play-games.com).
Pinata: use a Donkey pinata to celebrate Encanto!
Singalong: Have a Encanto singalong, showing lyrics on a screen that goes along with the soundtrack.
Pin the Rat on Bruno: Print out or purchase a poster of the Bruno character. Print and cut out rats, and play the game just like Pin the Tail on the Donkey.
Butterfly Races: Purchase small plastic butterflies from a toy or party store. This game is similar to the Egg and Spoon party game. Have children break into pairs (two kids per team). The first child puts the butterfly on a spoon and quickly walks it to their teammate on the other side of the lawn or patio (approx. 15-20 feet away). After transferring the butterfly to their teammate’s spoon (don’t use your hands), the second child runs it back. If the butterfly falls off, the runner has to go back to where they began. First team to complete the task wins! You should do several rounds so that the kids only compete against other kids the same age.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool
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