THE DAY YOU BEGIN
A gentle, compassionate look at the first day of school.
Should You See It?
Yes, especially if you have a little one who feels anxiety about their first day of school. This PBS special presents a sweet story that highlights the real worries children face when starting school, such as separation from family, nervousness about sharing their interests, and feeling overwhelmed in a new environment.
The movie celebrates friendship, allowing each character to express vulnerable feelings and receive encouragement from their new friends. The children understand each other’s differences, from unexpected school lunches to unique hobbies, and are excited to learn more about one another. This fun movie inspires young children to embrace the excitement of starting school while easing their worries about such a big transition.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESIt's the first day of kindergarten, and the new group of students has mixed feelings. Angelina and Andre feel a bit nervous, worried that they won’t make new friends. Rigoberto wonders if anyone will join him for a game of baseball. However, Minjin jumps into the day with excitement, eager to see what school has in store.
They meet their teacher, Mr. V, who shows them around the classroom and explains what their day will look like. As the day unfolds, each child takes a moment to share something about themselves. Some talk about their love for reading, others mention their unique school lunches, and a few express feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the noise. In the end, they all teach each other something new along the way!
Is It Any Good?
This PBS Special earns four stars because it delivers a delightful story about the first day of school that young children can relate to and enjoy. It keeps their attention engaged with its perfect length, vibrant animation, and a catchy song that they'll likely be humming afterward.
The narrative allows each character to voice their worries about starting school while sharing their individual passions. Kids can connect with relatable interests, ranging from sports to art to reading. Overall, it presents a gentle story that entertains while reassuring nervous children as they mentally prepare for their first day of school.
The Worldview
A moral worldview runs throughout, stressing values like kindness, friendship, and encouragement. The movie celebrates differences, from different hobbies to unfamiliar emotions about new situations, and the characters discover more about each other and welcome the chance to try new things with their new friends.
Each character feels nervous about different parts of the school day, but new friends and a caring teacher encourage them to try new things, share their excitement, and have fun. The movie's message echoes 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which urges believers to "encourage one another and build each other up." If you're looking for a wholesome watch, this one contains no objectionable content, so it suits the whole family.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
A moral worldview, promoting kindness, friendship, encouraging others, and celebrating our differences. Characters understand each other’s worries, and work to encourage and put them at ease
No foul language
No violence
No sex
No alcohol use
No smoking or drug abuse;
No other objectionable content.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Some of the children are nervous about starting school. What are some things the Bible tells you you can do when you feel nervous? Psalm 34:3
The children share their differences, from hobbies and interests, to unfamiliar food in school lunches. Why is it important to celebrate what makes us different? 1 Corinthians 14:10
When the children in the movie share their worries, their new friends encourage them and work to make them feel better. Can you think of a time you treated a friend with kindness, and then they later did the same thing for you? Matthew 7:12
The Final Word
THE DAY YOU BEGIN follows several classmates who dread the school day until new friends and a caring teacher help each one own their differences and try new things together. The story models kindness, friendship, and encouragement and contains no objectionable content. Its gentle pace is just right for anxious little ones, and families can watch this one without hesitation.
