Reflection on movie October Sky

By Sara Walden
EDI 17 Psychology & Development of Adolescent Students

School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 19, 2010
 

I think the movie October Sky was a great way for the class to see what can motivate or demotivate a student.  It was a fun way for the class to understand what an adolescent student goes through instead of just lecturing about it.  
 

It was frustrating to see Homer’s father not encouraging him to continue with his rocket ideas.  I can understand if Homer’s father was afraid he might fail and he wanted to make sure Homer will do something with his life.  However, I think you should let your students or children to take certain risks and if they fail at least they tried.
 

In the movie you saw how the teacher Miss Riley, Homer’s friends, some workers at the mining factory and mother motivated Homer to continue his rocket ideas; whereas, Homer’s father demotivated him not to. However, I believe that the more Homer’s father demotivated him only made Homer want to prove he can do it.
 

After watching the movie I thought that what happened between Homer and his father still goes on today.  For example, a father that owns a business may want his son to take it over.  However, the son might want to be become a chief instead.  A lot of times parents want their children to be just like them, but you can’t force them to be like you.  As a parent you have encourage them to achieve their hearts desire.