Hibiscus Teach · Movies
Queen of Katwe
One Step at a Time
Explain a simple rule, encourage a beginner and discuss learning from a difficult result.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Learning what the pieces can do
In this story, the selected scene focuses on learning what the pieces can do.
Watch for: What do Gloria's chess lessons teach Phiona about the pieces and possibility?
Clip A quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
Useful English
Let me show you one rule, and then you can try.
A small first step can lead to something bigger.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.
What makes a rule easy for a beginner to understand?
Support and one possible answer
A short explanation and…
A short explanation and a demonstration help the learner see what to do.
How should a teacher respond when a beginner asks the same question twice?
Support and one possible answer
They could…
They could explain it in a different way and let the learner demonstrate it.
Explain one rule of a familiar game.
Support and one possible answer
You can… but you cannot…
You can move after the other player finishes, but you cannot take two turns together.
Deciding to compete again
In this story, the selected scene focuses on deciding to compete again.
Watch for: What challenge does Robert propose, and how does Phiona now think about losing?
Clip B quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
Useful English
What can I learn from this result?
I do not have to be perfect before I try again.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.
How is learning from a result different from ignoring it?
Support and one possible answer
Learning means…
Learning means noticing what happened and changing the next attempt, not pretending the result never mattered.
What is one small improvement a learner can choose after a setback?
Support and one possible answer
They could practise…
They could practise explaining their first idea clearly before adding more detail.
Encourage a learner without promising victory.
Support and one possible answer
You can… even if…
You can prepare well and learn from the experience, even if you do not win.
Mastery: use your English
Apply language from both clips to new situations.
Mastery · 6 questions
Use the English in new situations. Choose one answer for each question.
Put it all together — speaking
Use English from both clips. For the last conversation, take a role each. On your own, practise both roles.
What changes between learning the first rules and choosing a challenge?
Support and one possible answer
First…; later…
First Phiona needs to understand the game. Later she must decide how to respond to difficulty and stronger opponents.
What would supportive competition look like?
Support and one possible answer
It would allow…
It would allow people to take the result seriously while still sharing useful feedback and respecting the learner.
Can you teach a beginner, give feedback and guide a retry?
Role A
You are learning to give a one-minute explanation. Ask the tutor for one clear rule and make a short first attempt.
Role B
Teach a simple speaking rule, check understanding and give one specific improvement. Encourage another attempt without promising a perfect result.
Support
Explain one rule, ask for a demonstration, name one improvement and repeat.
Check your conversation
- Complete the communication goal on both role cards.
- Use language from both clips naturally, with at least three target items overall.
- Ask a relevant question and respond to your partner, rather than delivering two unrelated speeches.
- Finish with a clear decision, next step or summary; repeat one part after feedback.
One possible conversation, after your attempt
B: First say the main idea in one sentence. A: My idea is a quiet reading club. B: Good. Now add one reason people might join. A: It gives us a regular time to read without interruptions. B: That makes your purpose clearer. Let us put the two sentences together.
First give your main idea in one sentence. That was clear. Now add one example and try again.
Try again: After feedback, repeat the most difficult exchange. Improve one language point and one communication point; do not memorise the example.