3rd Grade | Charlotte Mason Books-to-Movies
Looking for a fun way to supplement your family's homeschool studies? This Books-to-Movies List for 3rd Grade gathers together the film adaptations of Living Books from Charlotte Mason reading lists.
Watching the movie after reading the book can help to bring the story to life, enforce comprehension, and spark meaningful conversation – all while encouraging a gentle, literature-rich education.
All movies recommended here have been carefully vetted by me, and I am also careful to include any content concerns with each review (all content reviews are for the movie itself, and do not account for bonus features/behind the scenes/deleted scenes/etc). If you have any questions, please reach out to me here!
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Swallows and Amazons 1974 | Not Rated (I’d give it a G/PG)
This is a faithful and endearing adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s 1930s children’s book, detailing the adventures of the Walker children - John, Susan, Titty, and Roger. I was so impressed with how kind and attentive the siblings were to each other, unlike the newer 2016 version. The children’s imaginative adventures will likely inspire your children to go on their own exciting adventures. I appreciated the freedom and independence the children had to explore, camp, and sail across the lake on their own, which is so unlike how most of us were raised. Their resourcefulness and responsibility definitely inspired me, especially coming from a Charlotte Mason perspective! There are very few content concerns to share: the children go fishing and gut the fish afterwards - not too gory at all, and I did catch a couple muffled “d-mns” from a couple of thieves as they hide a stolen chest on one of the islands. This is a difficult film to track down, but it is currently available on Amazon as a Region 2 DVD, and on Internet Archive.
📺 Click here to watch for free on Internet Archive
Charlotte’s Web 1973 | G
This is one of those sweet and nostalgic films from my childhood that I always think of with fondness. Charlotte’s Web, based on E. B. White’s classic tale of devoted friendship, is brought to life with soft animation and a delightful score by the Sherman brothers (well-known for their musical contributions to Chitti Chitti Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, and The Jungle Book). No content concerns, apart from Wilbur’s worries that he will eventually become food for the farmer’s table, and Charlotte’s death, which may sadden very sensitive viewers.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime
Charlotte’s Web 2006 | G
A more recent adaptation of E. B. White’s renowned children’s book, this is a live-action production that will not fail to amuse and delight young viewers. With highly positive reviews from Plugged In and Dove, this is a great movie for the whole family. There are only mild content concerns to note: Wilbur’s fear that he may become dinner may worry very sensitive viewers, and there is a very light romance between Fern and a young boy (they smile at each other a lot, and hold hands at the fair). Charlotte’s death is tactfully portrayed, but may sadden young viewers. There is also some cow flatulence, which will, very possibly, activate the giggle bug!
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime
Misty 1961 | G
Marguerite Henry’s award-winning children’s book, Misty of Chincoteague, was adapted for screen by CinemaScope in the mid-1900s. This is such a gem, and perfect for the whole family. Paul Beebe and his sister Maureen work hard to earn enough money to purchase one of the ponies from Assateague Island, and together they grow in responsibility and patience. Fun Facts: the Beebes and Misty were real, and Misty can be seen in some of the scenes! No content concerns.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime
Paul Bunyan 1958 | G | Available to watch on DVD and Dailymotion
This is a fun animated short film (about 20 minutes long) which is part of the Disney American Legends collection (featuring the stories of Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Casey Jones, and John Henry). The tall tale begins with Paul Bunyan mysteriously arriving at a small seaside town in a massive cradle. The whole town adopts him and lovingly cares for all his needs. He grows to be “63 axe handles high” (approximately 95 feet tall!) and becomes a successful lumberjack. No content concerns - just fun entertainment for the whole family.
Pollyanna 1960 | G
This is an old Disney classic, starring Haley Mills as Pollyanna. This period drama is so sweet and fun, and there are only a few content concerns: there is a brief scene in the opening credits of a little boy swimming with absolutely no clothes on (only visible from the back - this takes place within the first couple seconds of the movie), and at 36 minutes in there is a long scene in a church of a fire and brimstone sermon. The reverend fiercely yells about how death can come suddenly to anyone and the details of how terrible a place hell is may be very frightening to young viewers. Afterwards, people discuss the sermon, and most express strong dislike of it, and also agree on how much they hate Sundays, which some parents may not appreciate. However, the reverend does have a big change of heart near the end of the movie and makes amends. All in all - this is a good, sweet spin on the beloved children’s novel by Eleanor H. Porter.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime
Pollyanna 2003 | G
This is a very sweet and faithful adaptation of Eleanor H. Porter’s book - the only slight difference is that, unlike the book, this adaptation takes place in England. I watched this for the first time a few nights ago and was so happily impressed (it is going on my list of favorites!). Orphaned Pollyanna goes to live with her grumpy, hard-to-please Aunt and even though things are hard, Pollyanna’s cheerfulness and kindness touch the lives of everyone around her. No content concerns, apart from light romance and a brief scene when a man is washing-up at an outdoor water pump, and has no shirt on. This is simply a wholesome and enduring period drama that children (and parents!) will definitely enjoy.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime
Sarah, Plain and Tall 1991 | G | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
Sarah, Plain and Tall (a Hallmark Hall of Fame production) takes place in the late 1800s, following the story of a strong-willed woman from Maine who answers a widowed farmer’s advertisement for a wife and mother for his two children. She bravely travels to the Kansas prairie, and brings warmth, love, and change to the farmer’s home. Based on Patricia MacLachlan’s children’s book, Sarah, Plain and Tall offers an excellent glimpse into the daily hardships and triumphs on the prairie. No major content concerns - though there are some frightening moments during a storm; Jacob and Sarah kiss a number of times; a lamb dies and Sarah, greatly distraught, tries to scare away the birds that are interested in the carcass; a neighbor struggles during childbirth, and Sarah and Jacon assist her (it is a very emotional scene which may be frightening for children, and may bring up concerned questions about childbirth - there is a happy ending though for the mama and the baby!); in a scene after the birth, Jacob tells Sarah how his wife passed away in childbirth, and it is a heavy and emotional scene; the residual grief portrayed by the children and Jacob throughout the film can be sad to witness. All in all it is an excellent family film, with a very happy ending. Dove approved for all ages, though if your little ones are very sensitive, I’d consider having the remote handy to skip the sad parts, just in case. (P.S. I frequently come across VHS copies of Sarah, Plain and Tall while thrifting, and if you still own a VHS player like I do… I confess that it is quite old and a bit dusty at the moment, but I still think it’s totally worth keeping, especially considering how inexpensive VHS tapes are!).
Skylark 1993 | G | Available to watch on DVD
Sequel to Patricia MacLachlan’s Sarah, Plain and Tall, Skylark takes place two years after Sarah and Jacob’s marriage. A drought greatly affects the Kansas prairie, and the family struggle to keep their farm. Sarah struggles the most, and the lack of water makes her miserable and afraid. She takes the children to visit her family in Maine by the sea, and Jacob remains on the homestead to wait for rain. Content-wise, apart from what’s mentioned above: there is a wildfire that burns down their barn; Sarah’s fear that she may not be able to have a baby may be distressing to witness; and some sweet, but definitely passionate kisses between Sarah and Jacob happen from time to time. All things considered, this is a wonderful family film. It is a moving and heartfelt story of a family’s love, strength, and endurance, and is Dove approved for all ages.
Sarah, Plain and Tall: Winter’s End 1999 | Not Rated | Available to watch on DVD and YouTube
The third installment in the Hallmark Hall of Fame’s enduring series, Sarah, Plain and Tall: Winter’s End revisits the Witting family on their Kansas farm in the winter of 1918, near the end of WWI. While not directly based on Patricia MacLachlan’s books, it is a touching story of love and forgiveness. A mysterious stranger appears on the farm, and old hurts are resurfaced. Influenza is going through the town, and Anna, now grown up, helps the doctor care for the sick. The are no significant content concerns, apart from a scene featuring a heated argument between Jacob and the stranger, during which Jacob suffers a serious injury (all ends well though!). Suitable for most ages in my opinion.
Caddie Woodlawn 1989 | TV-PG
While not very true to Carol Ryrie Brink’s book, this film starring Emily Schulman (you may recognize her from the Christy TV series with Kelly Martin), is still a worthwhile watch! It is a great peek into the mid-1800s Wisconsin frontier, and the exciting adventures of Caddie and her family will definitely capture your 3rd grader’s attention. Though Dove Approved for all ages, there are some exciting and intense bits that may be a little scary for very sensitive viewers. Also portrayed is prejudice against Native Americans, which Caddie steadfastly fights against. I often find VHS copies of Caddie Woodlawn while thrifting, so keep an eye out if you still own a VHS player like I do.
📺 Click here to watch on Amazon Prime
I hope this 3rd Grade Charlotte Mason Books-to-Movies List adds a fun and memorable touch to your family's homeschool experience! If you give any of these a try, I’d love to hear what your favorites are—please feel free to reach out and share your thoughts! You can contact me here, or you can message me on any of my socials (links below).
If you loved this list, be sure to check out the other grades! There are so many wholesome books-to-movies for your family to enjoy!
