Help your students explore the meaning of perseverance with this engaging B1 ESL lesson built around Pixar’s award-winning short film Piper.

Using an authentic, dialogue-free video, students reflect on challenges, fear, resilience, and learning from mistakes while developing their vocabulary, reading, and speaking skills. Through a series of activities, learners analyse Piper’s journey, recycle key vocabulary, share their own “never give up” stories, and discuss whether perseverance is always the best approach.

In this lesson, students will:

• Watch and analyse Pixar’s Piper through prediction, sequencing, and cause-and-effect activities.

• Learn and practise vocabulary related to perseverance, including challenge, obstacle, determined, curious, brave, and overcome.

• Read and complete a model “Never Give Up” story before reflecting on their own experiences.

• Share personal stories about overcoming challenges and discuss whether people should always keep trying.

Perfect for B1 adult and teenage learners, this ready-to-teach lesson requires minimal preparation and combines authentic video with meaningful communication. Through engaging speaking tasks and personal reflection, students build confidence in English while exploring the value of perseverance, resilience, and learning from failure.