Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of the themes, characters, and moral lessons in The Lion King. They will also engage in creative activities that reinforce their learning and express their thoughts about the story.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and colored pencils or markers
• A comfortable space to sit and work
• Knowledge of the main characters and plot of The Lion King
• Optional: Access to a device for watching clips of The Lion King (if desired)

Activities

• Character Drawing: The student will choose their favorite character from The Lion King and create a detailed drawing. They can include important features and colors that represent the character's personality.

• Story Retelling: The student will retell a favorite scene from The Lion King in their own words. They can act it out or write it down like a script, focusing on the emotions and actions of the characters.

• Theme Exploration: The student will discuss the major themes of The Lion King, such as friendship, responsibility, and the circle of life. They can write a short paragraph about what these themes mean to them.

• Creative Writing: The student will write an alternate ending to The Lion King. They can imagine what would happen if a different character made a key decision or if a new character was introduced.

Talking Points

• "What do you think makes Simba a good leader? Can you think of a time when he showed bravery?"
• "Why do you think Mufasa's advice is important? How can we apply it to our own lives?"
• "How does the friendship between Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba help him on his journey?"
• "What does the 'circle of life' mean to you? How do you see it in nature?"
• "Can you relate to any of the characters? How do their struggles remind you of challenges you've faced?"
• "Why is it important to face our fears, like Simba had to do? What fears have you overcome?"
• "What role does family play in The Lion King? How does it shape the characters' choices?"
• "What lessons about friendship can we learn from the characters in The Lion King?"
• "If you could be any character in The Lion King, who would you choose and why?"
• "How do you think the story of The Lion King connects to real life? What can we learn from it?"