Making High School Musical 2 Work for You

Was your home overrun by singing and dancing young people in bright clothing this weekend? Yeah, we watched High School Musical 2 a whole bunch of times, too.

As of now, I'd say I prefer the original -- maybe because the plot seemed more genuine to school experience, maybe because the songs were less produced and the lip-synching less obvious, maybe because I prefer the message "Be true to yourself no matter what your friends say" to "Forget the future, just have a good time with your friends now."

And I still think Troy, played by Zac Efron (pictured), looks less like a normal high-schooler than a Malibu Ken doll.

But of course, what parents think of a movie like this is beside the point. (And I'm such a sucker for musicals, I enjoyed it anyway.) My daughter much prefers the new version, and anything she gets excited about is something I know I can use for motivational purposes. Instead of wincing at all the merchandising and endless repeat showings that comes with any big Disney Channel offering, use those goodies as bribes, rewards, and secret passageways into educational territory. It's a "Whatever Works" jackpot.

If your kid is crazy for Troy, Gabriella, and the whole Wildcat crew, here are five ways for starters that you can use that passion for good:

• Use iTunes downloads of songs from the soundtrack as rewards for finishing chores or homework.
  
  
• Look for the novelizations of the movie that will be popping up -- they're great for roping in reluctant readers. Disney usually puts out regular and junior novelizations, so you should be able to find one that's appropriate to your child's reading level.
  
  
• The sing-along version, which debuted this weekend and will be popping up frequently on the Disney Channel, is another good way to sneak in some reading. Encourage your child to follow the words.
  
  
• Similarly, the how-to-do-the-dance version that's sure to come can give your child a good workout and refine gross motor skills. If all the fancy footwork is too much, have your child do only the hand motions.
  
  
• Use a viewing of the movie with your child as an opportunity for conversation about peer pressure, making promises, selfishness, judging people, friendship, and whatever else seems appropriate to your child's life. Did Troy do the right thing? Were his friends fair to him? How did Ryan feel about Sharpay's behavior? What was your favorite part, and why?

You're going to have to watch it anyway, you know. Might as well get a little something out of it.

_{Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images}