education

ADHD/Learning Disability: Happy Feet (Movie)
Est. Time: 2 Hours Viewing/20-30 Minutes Class

The contents of this case study were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, #H325F060003. However, those contents
do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Project Officer, Shedeh Hajghassemali.

n1http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu 121314

THE

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 Activity

Synopsis
This animated children’s film tells the story of a young penguin named Mumble. Unlike his
fellow penguins, Mumble has no Heartsong, “[T]he voice you hear inside…who you truly are,”
and the song that will one day help him to attract a mate. Instead, Mumble’s personality is
reflected through his tap dancing, which he calls his “happy feet.” Though ostracized by the
other penguins, Mumble sets off on a dangerous journey to save the colony from starvation,
returning at last to face those who criticized him and to reunite with his loved ones.

Activity
View the following movie and be prepared to discuss the questions below in class:

Title: Happy Feet (2006)
Studio: Warner Bros.

Questions/Discussion Topics
1. To what key event was Mumble’s case of happy feet attributed? Compare this to potential

causes of some disabilities.
2. Compare at least two of Mumble’s traits in the movie to those of children with learning

disabilities or ADHD.
3. Describe how Mumble was treated by his father and his peers. How does this compare to

the treatment often received by students who have learning disabilities?
4. As a future teacher or school counselor, how might you use this movie as a means to foster

tolerance and understanding of individual differences among your students?