Mother’s Day is coming soon! Why not watch a movie and practice your English at the same time? (A2+/B1/B2 activity)

Movie: Stepmom
Starring: Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts
About: The movie tells the story of a mother, a stepmother, and their children. It shows love, challenges, and family relationships.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNUu1d7i26g

Vocabulary – Learn English Words about Mothers

Stepmom / Stepmother – A woman who marries someone with children – Madrastra
Sacrifice – Give up something for someone else – Sacrificio
Relationship – Connection between people – Relación
Respect – Admiration for someone – Respeto
Support – Help and care for someone – Apoyo
Challenge – Something difficult to do or face – Desafío
Understanding – Ability to know how someone feels – Comprensión
Care – To look after someone – Cuidar
Trust – Belief in someone’s honesty or ability – Confianza
Communication – Sharing ideas and feelings with others – Comunicación
Forgiveness – Letting go of anger or hurt – Perdón
Patience – Ability to wait or accept difficulties calmly – Paciencia

Speaking Activities – Practice Alone or with Friends

1. Role-Play: Imagine a conversation between a mother and a child. Talk about a problem and try to find a solution. Use phrases like: “I need your help with…” or “I understand, but I feel…”

Sample dialogues

1. Sample 1:

   • Child: “Mom, I don’t want to go to my stepmother’s birthday party.”

   • Mother: “I understand, but it’s important to be polite. How about we go for one hour?”

   • Child: “Okay, I can try that.”

   Sample 2:

   • Stepmom: “I want to help you with your homework. Can I?”

   • Child: “I don’t know… I am used to doing it alone.”

   • Stepmom: “That’s fine. Let’s try together for a few minutes.”

   Guess the Emotion: After watching a scene, say what emotion the characters are feeling and why. Example: “I want you to be happy, even if I’m not here.” → Sad / Loving / Caring

Sample 1:

• Sentence from movie: “I want you to be happy, even if I’m not here.”

• Emotion: Sad / Loving / Caring

• Why: She loves her children but knows she will not be with them.

Sample 2:

• Sentence from movie: “I don’t understand why you are angry with me.”

• Emotion: Confused / Frustrated

• Why: She wants to help but the child is upset.

Discussion Questions – Think and Talk

• What makes a mother important in a family?

• Can a stepmother be like a real mother? Why or why not?

• How should parents and step-parents work together for the children?

• What is more important: love or rules in a family?

Writing Task – Practice Your English

Write a short email to a friend about the movie. Include:

• What the movie is about

• Your favourite character and why

• What you learned about mothers and family