'Soul' Lesson Plan & Worksheets | Grades 5 - 12

Soul Movie Study | Pixar Movie Guide | ELA, SEL, Philosophy, Music & Critical Thinking Activities | Grades 5–12

Inspire meaningful conversations about purpose, joy, gratitude, and what makes life truly fulfilling with this engaging Soul Movie Study! Based on Pixar’s thought-provoking film, this resource helps students explore themes of identity, passion, purpose, mindfulness, and personal growth while strengthening reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, discussion, and social-emotional learning skills. Through 30 engaging activities, students analyze character development, explore big life questions, and reflect on the moments that make life meaningful.

What's Included

• 30 student activities

• Printable student workbook

• Comprehensive teacher guide

• Complete answer key

• Reading comprehension questions

• Character analysis activities

• Theme and symbolism exploration

• Vocabulary development exercises

• Philosophy and reflection prompts

• Purpose and passion discussions

• Social-emotional learning (SEL) activities

• Music and jazz appreciation lessons

• Improvisation and creativity connections

• Survey and data-analysis activities

• Critical-thinking questions

• Debate and discussion prompts

• Creative writing projects

• Diary writing activity

• Letter-to-your-future-self assignment

• Art and design extension activities

Students will explore:

• Purpose and meaning

• Joy and gratitude

• Identity and self-discovery

• Living in the moment

• Passion and balance

• Mindfulness and wellbeing

• Personal growth

• Friendship and mentorship

• Music as self-expression

• Appreciating everyday experiences

How It Works in the Classroom

This Soul movie guide is designed for flexible classroom use and works well for:

• English Language Arts lessons

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Character education units

• Philosophy and ethics discussions

• Music appreciation lessons

• Independent work

• Homeschool learning

• Substitute plans

• Small-group discussions

• Cross-curricular learning

Students complete activities before, during, and after viewing the film. Lessons include comprehension checks, character studies, vocabulary practice, reflection exercises, discussion activities, music connections, creative writing projects, and personal growth opportunities. The included teacher guide provides a complete 90-minute lesson plan with differentiation strategies and extension ideas.

Standards & Learning Goals

Students will:

• Recall and sequence major events from the film

• Analyze how Joe and 22 change throughout the story

• Explore themes of purpose, passion, and identity

• Interpret symbolism, metaphors, and deeper meaning

• Strengthen reading comprehension and vocabulary skills

• Develop critical-thinking and discussion abilities

• Connect music and improvisation to self-expression

• Interpret and analyze survey data

• Reflect on gratitude, mindfulness, and wellbeing

• Articulate personal ideas about what makes life meaningful

Supports instruction in:

• English Language Arts

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Philosophy & Ethics

• Music Education

• Critical Thinking

• Writing Skills

• Speaking and Listening

• Mathematics & Data Analysis

Why Teachers Love It

✅ No-prep printable resource

✅ Includes teacher guide and complete answer key

✅ Encourages deep and meaningful classroom discussions

✅ Strong SEL and wellbeing connections

✅ Promotes gratitude, mindfulness, and self-reflection

✅ Integrates literacy, music, philosophy, and critical thinking

✅ Encourages students to think beyond academic success

✅ Includes engaging creative writing and reflection activities

✅ Flexible for classroom, homeschool, and enrichment settings

✅ Helps students connect movie themes to their own lives

Teachers love how this resource transforms a popular Pixar film into a powerful learning experience. Students engage with meaningful questions about purpose, happiness, and personal growth while strengthening literacy, discussion, and analytical skills. The thoughtful blend of SEL, philosophy, music, and reflection creates opportunities for authentic learning and lasting conversations.

Add this Soul Movie Study to your classroom today and help students explore purpose, joy, gratitude, identity, and personal growth through engaging activities that inspire thoughtful reflection and meaningful discussion long after the movie ends.