Film and Lesson Pack for Student Ages 12–15
Help students explore identity, resilience, and personal growths through a story of friendship—both on and off the basketball court. This ready‑to‑teach social-emotional learning (SEL) resource, accompanied by film protagonist Marley, is built around the education cut of the film King’s Court.
School Subjects: Language, Health & Physical Education, Social Studies
Lesson Pack At-a-Glance
Film runtime: 20 min | Activity time: Varied
Pick the most relevant activities for your classroom or complete the entire lesson from start to finish (~5 class periods, or 5–6 hours).
The lesson pack includes an Educator Guide and the interactive King’s Court Playbook for Success, featuring the education cut of the film, a customizable printable student workbook, and seven (7) chapters that use basketball “plays” as metaphors for key life skills. Each chapter includes:
- Marley, the film’s protagonist, introducing each play to students;
- A clip from the documentary;
- A student prompt and activity;
- Opportunities for meaningful class discussion.
Learning Outcomes
Your students will:
- Define what success means to them personally;
- Identify strategies for healthy relationships, communication, and self-awareness through sport;
- Use their personal Playbook for Success to set goals and outline strategies.
About the Film
Two friends and basketball lovers talk family, community, and brotherhood in this raw coming-of-age documentary shot in Toronto.
Meet the Educator Behind the Resource
“I’m Laurie Townshend. I spent more than two decades as a middle school Drama teacher, watching stories unlock something in young people that nothing else could. That experience confirmed a truth that now guides me as a full-time documentary filmmaker and writer: that before we shape stories, stories shape us.”
Meet Your Classroom Companion
“Hey, I’m Marley Zion. I’m an artist, creative visionary, community builder, and your classroom companion for King’s Court.
My work, rooted in authenticity and lived experience, centres on empowering youth—especially those from underrepresented communities—to find their voice, embrace their identity, and redefine their futures.
I can’t wait to join you and your students on this learning journey.”
“[The playbook is] such a great way to get to know my students.”
- High school teacher, Ontario
“It’s tried and tested—no problems”
- Middle school teacher, Nova Scotia
“I was very impressed with the detail and quality of this resource! It was easy to use and follow.”
- High school teacher, Ontario
“This resource does an awesome job of getting students right to that point of goal setting.”
- BC high school teacher
Ready to Jump In?
