Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid) – Character Feelings & Motives KS2 Lesson

Dive into character analysis with this engaging, ready-to-teach lesson based on the iconic Disney song ‘Under the Sea’. Using a high-quality video clip and accompanying lyrics, students explore how characters express their thoughts and emotions through actions, body language, and song lyrics. This lesson encourages children to justify their ideas with evidence — perfect for developing inference and empathy.

What’s Included:

• Editable ActivInspire flipchart with learning objective and structured tasks (PDF included).
• Key focus: inferring character feelings and motives using evidence
• Link to Under the Sea video (YouTube)
• Link to full lyrics online
• Guided discussion questions and modelled thinking
• Independent written task with two structured response questions
• Plenary for class discussion and comparison of ideas

Key Features:

• Editable ActivInspire flipchart – fully customisable
• Encourages speaking, listening, and emotional inference
• Supports comprehension skills linked to character analysis
• Builds justification and evidence-based explanation
• Ideal for KS2 learners (Years 3–6)
• No prep required – ready to go resource

Perfect For:

• KS2 English / Literacy / Guided Reading lessons
• Character inference and empathy development
• Cover lessons, enrichments or video-based literacy units
• Extension activities for PSHE or drama links