The Karate Kid Movie Guide

A complete lesson plan with discussion questions, writing activities, and leadership worksheets

This resource will help teachers use the story of Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi to share a timeless tale of resilience, friendship, and the power of believing in oneself.

Included in this leadership movie guide:

Time Stamps
Answer Key
Fillable PDF Version
Google Form Version

WARNING

This is a DEEP LEARNING lesson plan to help students employ a LEADERSHIP approach to SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Movie Guide Activities

Each of our leadership movie guides includes the following activities:

Reflection: allows students to journal about one of the movie's themes prior to watching.
Analysis: questions and prompts to analyze the movie's characters, plot, and climax.
Practice & Discussion: a partner/group activity that takes the principles of the movie and asks students to take action and grow in their own lives.
Extension: a RAFT (Role-Audience-Format-Topic) writing prompt to help students apply their new knowledge.
Lead for Impact: challenges students to pinpoint how the hero of the story exhibited The 12 Fundamentals of Impact and then synthesize how they can apply the lessons to writing their own story.

The activities in The Karate Kid Movie Guide will challenge students to move closer to mastery in the following life skills:

leadership
cooperation with others
creativity
critical thinking
emotional intelligence
problem-solving
judgement and decision-making

1. The Karate Kid Movie Guide PDF
2. The Karate Kid Answer Key for Movie Guide
3. The Karate Kid Fillable PDF Movie Guide
4. The Karate Kid Google Form Movie Guide
5. The Karate Kid Video Preview

Free

Social Emotional Learning Competencies

These leadership activities are designed to help students meet the following Social & Emotional Learning Competencies as outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL):

Develop SELF-AWARENESS and SELF-MANAGEMENT skills to achieve school and life success.
Use SOCIAL-AWARENESS and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS.
Demonstrate DECISION-MAKING skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts.

Movie Synopsis

The Karate Kid follows the journey of a young boy named Daniel LaRusso, who moves with his mother from New Jersey to California.

As Daniel struggles to adjust to his new life and cope with bullies, he encounters Mr. Miyagi, an elderly Japanese maintenance man who happens to be a martial arts master. Under Miyagi's guidance, Daniel learns not only karate but also valuable life lessons about discipline, perseverance, and inner strength.

Along the way, Daniel faces off against his main tormentor, Johnny Lawrence, in a high-stakes karate tournament where he must prove his skills and overcome his fears to emerge victorious. Through friendship, mentorship, and determination, Daniel transforms from an underdog into a champion both on and off the mat.

Movie Rating

PG
Movie Run Time

2 hours, 6 minutes
Grade Levels

6th-12th
Ideal Classes

Career Development, Sociology, Sports Psychology, English Language Arts, Leadership, Character Education, Life Skills, Human Performance

The Karate Kid Movie Guide provides activities to help students become better leaders by focusing on the following themes:

Resilience and Perseverance:

Daniel faces numerous challenges, including bullying and learning a new martial art, but he persists despite setbacks. His journey underscores the importance of resilience and determination in achieving one's goals.
Mentorship and Guidance:

The relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi is central to the film. Miyagi serves as a wise mentor who imparts not only martial arts skills but also valuable life lessons about discipline, honor, and inner peace. The theme highlights the importance of positive mentorship and guidance in shaping character and fostering personal growth.
Bullying and Empowerment:

Daniel's experiences with bullying at the hands of Johnny Lawrence and his friends. Through karate training and self-discovery, Daniel learns to stand up for himself and assert his worth, empowering himself in the process. The film addresses the impact of bullying and the importance of self-confidence and assertiveness in overcoming it.
Friendship and Connection:

Daniel forms meaningful friendships with characters like Mr. Miyagi and Ali Mills, which provide him with emotional support and companionship. These relationships highlight the importance of friendship and human connection in navigating life's challenges and finding strength in unity.
Cultural Understanding:

The film explores themes of cultural exchange and understanding through the relationship between Daniel, an American teenager, and Mr. Miyagi, a Japanese immigrant. Through their interactions, the film promotes respect for different cultures and emphasizes the universal values of kindness, honor, and mutual respect.