You've Got a Friend in Learning
What the Toy Story Films Can Teach Students About Friendship, Growth, and the Power of Music
“You've got a friend in me..."
Just reading those words probably brought a melody to your head. Few movie songs are as instantly recognizable as Randy Newman's iconic theme from Toy Story. In fact, few movie franchises have shaped childhood quite like Toy Story itself.
Since 1995, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bo Peep, Rex, Hamm, and countless other toys have entertained audiences while teaching valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, identity, change, and belonging. Along the way, the films have also demonstrated one of the most powerful storytelling tools available to filmmakers:
Music.
Songs in the Toy Story films don't simply play in the background. They reveal character emotions, advance the story, reinforce themes, and help audiences connect emotionally to the characters.
For educators and families, the Toy Story franchise offers a treasure chest of opportunities to explore:
Character Development
Storytelling
Social-Emotional Learning
Music Analysis
Writing
Empathy and Perspective-Taking
In celebration of Toy Story 5 opening June 19th, let's take a closer look at how each film used music effectively.
Toy Story (1995)
A loyal cowboy doll struggles when a flashy new space ranger becomes his owner's favorite toy.
Major Themes:
Friendship
Jealousy
Acceptance
Teamwork
Identity
At its core, Toy Story explores a feeling nearly every child experiences: What happens when someone new enters your world? Woody fears Buzz will replace him. Students may recognize similar feelings when a new student joins class, a new sibling arrives, or a friendship changes.
The movie ultimately teaches an important lesson:
There is room for everyone.
Song Spotlight:
"You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman
This song does far more than introduce the movie.
It:
Establishes Woody and Andy's relationship
Introduces friendship as the franchise's central theme
Creates emotional continuity throughout every film
Functions almost like a musical narrator
The message is simple but powerful:
True friendship remains strong through both successes and struggles.
Toy Story 2 (1999)
When Woody is stolen by a toy collector, he must choose between fame and friendship.
Major Themes:
Loyalty
Purpose
Family
Belonging
Choices
This film asks one of the biggest questions in the series: What truly gives our lives meaning? Woody has the chance to become famous forever. Instead, he chooses the people who love him.
Song Spotlight:
"When She Loved Me" by Randy Newman, performed by Sarah McLachlan
Many adults still struggle to hear this song without tearing up. Jessie's heartbreaking backstory is told almost entirely through music.
Without lengthy dialogue, students learn:
Character motivation
Character history
Emotional conflict
Fear of abandonment
This is one of the greatest examples of storytelling through song in modern animation.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
As Andy prepares for college, the toys face an uncertain future.
Major Themes:
Change
Growing Up
Resilience
Community
Letting Go
Students often struggle with change.
New schools.
New teachers.
New routines.
New friendships.
Toy Story 3 teaches that change is difficult, but it can also open the door to new adventures.
Song Spotlight:
"We Belong Together" by Randy Newman
This song closes the film by reinforcing a beautiful message:
Relationships can endure even when circumstances change.
The toys may be moving on, but the love remains.
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Woody embarks on a journey of self-discovery after meeting Forky and reconnecting with Bo Peep.
Major Themes:
Purpose
Identity
Self-Discovery
Growth
Independence
For the first time, Woody asks: Who am I if my role changes? This question becomes increasingly relevant as students grow older and begin discovering their own interests, talents, and passions.
Song Spotlight:
"I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" by Randy Newman
Forky's humorous song provides comic relief while reinforcing an important lesson:
Every individual has value. Even when they don't see it themselves.
Toy Story 5 (2026)
The toys face a new challenge as technology increasingly competes for children's attention.
Major Themes:
Connection
Adaptation
Technology
Friendship
Change
Memory
The newest chapter asks a question that feels especially relevant today: How do relationships stay meaningful in a world filled with screens? Students are growing up in a digital world where technology plays a major role in daily life.
This creates rich opportunities to discuss:
Screen time
Imagination
Play
Human connection
Friendship
Song Spotlight:
"I Knew It, I Knew You" by Taylor Swift
One of the most exciting additions to the Toy Story musical legacy is Taylor Swift's original song for Toy Story 5. What makes the song particularly fascinating is how it appears to mirror Jessie's emotional journey from Toy Story 2.
Toy Story 2
"When She Loved Me"
Loss
Separation
Heartbreak
Abandonment
Toy Story 5
"I Knew It, I Knew You"
Reunion
Reconnection
Memory
Hope
Rather than focusing on being left behind, the song explores rediscovering a meaningful relationship and remembering why it mattered.
Why Music Matters in Storytelling
The Toy Story films provide a masterclass in how songs can strengthen storytelling.
Music can:
Reveal character emotions
Explain backstory
Reinforce themes
Create emotional connections
Connect scenes and films
Improve memory and understanding
Imagine Toy Story without "You've Got a Friend in Me." Or Jessie without "When She Loved Me." The stories would still work. But they wouldn't feel the same. Music helps audiences understand what characters are feeling, even when they don't say it out loud.
Final Thoughts
Across five films, the Toy Story franchise teaches some of the most important lessons students can learn:
Friendship Matters
Teamwork Makes Us Stronger
Growth Is Part of Life
Change Can Lead to New Opportunities
Music Helps Tell Powerful Stories
Whether you're teaching character development, theme, SEL, writing, media literacy, or music appreciation, the Toy Story films offer endless opportunities to engage students through stories they already know and love.
Jake Perlman is the founder of Teachertainment, blending education, entertainment, and pop culture to turn learning into an unforgettable experience.
