Enchanted with Encanto

In last month’s newsletter, I wrote about the benefits of bibliotherapy and videotherapy when working with gifted children and adolescents; this month I had a chance to put my insights into practice, as I viewed and thoroughly enjoyed Disney’s movie Encanto with members of my family. As I viewed the movie, I thought about the messages for all of us, from the youngest to the oldest. Encanto is a prime example of a movie with deep themes and rich topics, perfect for discussion. Though I won’t retell the movie (you definitely should pop some popcorn and enjoy it with your loved ones), I will offer up some questions for discussion when viewing it. 

Set in the magical casita of the Madrigal family in Colombia, Encanto transports us to a world that is both imaginative and thought-provoking. I believe that it is especially relevant for the gifted population because so much of the movie centers around gifts and talents. Some themes that emerge include perfectionism, stress, honesty, jealousy, envy, fear, disappointment, loss, high expectations, illusions, loneliness, self-belief and self-doubt, responsibility for “gifts,” and the mysteries of possibilities, among others. Some questions for discussion before and after viewing the movie could include these:

• What are gifts and talents? How are they alike and/or different in various characters? How are they alike and different in people? Is this good or bad?
• Does everyone have gifts and talents? Why or why not?
• What happens when we use our talents effectively? What happens when we don’t use our talents, or use them inappropriately? 
• Can we lose our talents over time? Can you develop a talent over time? If so, how, or when, or why?
• Is it always good to have talents? Can talents ever be a burden? Are talents worth having?
• What is good or bad about the expectations that come with gifts and talents? Whose expectations are they? Are those expectations fair?
• What if (even with all of my gifts and talents) I am never good enough?
• How does having a vision (and someone who believes in you) help you actualize your talent/s?
• What if speaking your truth/using your talents makes things worse?
• Are we truly more than our gifts and talents? How is this possible? If this is true, why is it important?
• Are we all someone’s miracle? Can you think of an example in your life or in the life of someone else?
• Is “burning brightly” a gift or a burden? Why or why not?

Clearly, the possibilities for exploring Encanto are both limitless and enchanting. In viewing it with my family, I was interested in the takeaways from everyone - from a three -year-old to a septuagenarian. The three year old summed it up perfectly…”we all have dreams in our brain; we just need to let them out.” This was truly perceptive, in my estimation.

In the near future, I hope that you will find time to view Encanto. The animation is fabulous, the music ultimately memorable, and the themes timeless and provocative. Above all, allow yourself time to ponder the meanings in your life, the lives of your family members, and the lives of your students. Allow videotherapy to expand your thinking.

As always, I welcome your thoughts. Together we grow.

Jackie Drummer, Past President and current Board Advisor
WI Association for Talented and Gifted 

(WATG would like to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Martha Aracely Lopez of Milwaukee Public Schools for translating this article into Spanish for our Spanish-speaking families and educators. The translation can also be found in our website blogs.)