Teaching Coco's Heartwarming Story in the ESL Classroom

In the vibrant and diverse world of ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching, incorporating popular culture and engaging stories can make the learning experience more enjoyable and effective. "Coco," a heartwarming animated film from Disney-Pixar, is a perfect example of a story that can captivate ESL students of all ages and proficiency levels. This blog post will guide ESL educators on how to teach Coco's story effectively, helping students improve their language skills while exploring themes of family, culture, and self-identity.


Introduce Coco and Set the Stage

Begin by introducing the film "Coco" and its significance in popular culture. Explain that the story takes place in Mexico during the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) and centers around a young boy named Miguel. Engage your students' interest by showing them the movie poster, sharing the trailer, or playing a short clip.Pre-Viewing Activities

Before watching the movie, it's essential to prepare your ESL students with some pre-viewing activities:

a. Vocabulary Building:Provide a list of essential vocabulary words related to the movie. Include words like "family," "music," "ancestors," and "culture."
Engage students in activities like word matching, picture-labeling, or flashcards to familiarize them with the new words.

b. Cultural Context:Teach students about the Day of the Dead and its cultural significance in Mexico. Share images and traditions associated with the holiday.Watch the Movie

Once your students have some context and vocabulary under their belts, it's time to watch "Coco." Consider using subtitles to help students with their listening skills and comprehension. After watching the movie, engage in a discussion about the story, characters, and their favorite scenes.Post-Viewing Activities

After watching the film, deepen your students' understanding of the story with these post-viewing activities:

a. Discussion Questions:Encourage students to discuss the movie's themes, characters, and plot. Questions like, "How did Miguel's journey change him?" and "Why is family so important in the story?" can stimulate meaningful conversations.

b. Character Analysis:Ask students to choose a character from the movie and describe their personality, motivations, and development throughout the story.

c. Creative Projects:Let your students express their creativity by making Day of the Dead-themed crafts, drawing their favorite characters, or writing a short essay about their personal connection to the story.Language Skill Development

Coco provides a rich source of language learning opportunities:

a. Listening Skills:Use specific scenes from the movie for listening comprehension exercises, such as summarizing what happened or transcribing dialogue.

b. Speaking Skills:Encourage students to retell the story, participate in group discussions, or perform short scenes from the movie.

c. Writing Skills:Assign writing tasks, such as movie reviews, character profiles, or essays on cultural topics like family and traditions.

d. Reading Skills:Provide students with related articles or stories about Mexico, the Day of the Dead, or family dynamics to enhance their reading comprehension.


Teaching "Coco" in the ESL classroom can be a rewarding and engaging experience. By incorporating this beloved story, educators can help students not only improve their English language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for culture, family, and self-identity. Through a combination of pre-viewing and post-viewing activities, discussions, and language skill development, you can create an immersive and enjoyable learning environment that connects language and culture. "Coco" is not just a movie; it's a bridge to understanding and appreciating the world beyond our own.