The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. For English language learners, discussing the key issues addressed by the UN can be an enriching exercise that enhances both language skills and global awareness. For United Nations day on 24th October why not use some of the discussion points in this blog to spark meaningful conversations and deepen understanding of these critical topics.
Climate change affects every corner of the planet. The UN has been actively working to mitigate its effects and promote sustainability. Here are some prompts to spark a conversation on this urgent issue:
The impact of climate change: How does climate change affect different parts of the world? Discuss rising sea levels, extreme weather events and their consequences.
Sustainable practices: What are some sustainable practices individuals and communities can adopt to combat climate change? Consider renewable energy, recycling and conservation efforts.
Global cooperation: How important is international cooperation in addressing climate change? Look at agreements like the Paris Accord and the role of the UN in facilitating these agreements.
Global health and well-being are vital for sustainable development and international cooperation, underpinning the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are some ideas to start conversations around this topic:
Health crises: Discuss major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in managing these crises.
Access to healthcare: What are the challenges to accessing healthcare in different parts of the world? Explore issues like healthcare infrastructure, affordability and availability.
Mental health: Why is mental health an important aspect of overall well-being? Discuss stigma, access to mental health services and the impact of mental health on communities.
The United Nations (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global objectives adopted in 2015 to address the most pressing challenges facing our world by 2030. These goals encompass a broad range of issues and can provide great conversation starters.
Understanding the SDGs: What are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN? Discuss goals like No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education and Climate Action.
Progress and challenges: What progress has been made towards achieving the SDGs and what challenges remain? Look at both global and local perspectives.
Individual contributions: How can individuals contribute to achieving the SDGs? Explore actions like volunteering, advocacy and sustainable living.
Discussing the key issues addressed by the United Nations not only helps English language learners improve their language skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of global challenges and the importance of international cooperation. By engaging in these discussions, learners can develop critical thinking skills, broaden their perspectives and become more informed global citizens. Encourage active participation, respectful dialogue and an open mind as you explore these vital topics together.
See some more ways to spark discussion and enrich language learning in our blog posts 'Boosting your students English speaking skills' and 'Games and puzzles for language learning'.
At app Languages, 2024 has been a landmark year full of innovation, connection, and impactful resources for businesses worldwide. We’ve worked on so many things with the aim to empower global workforces and help organizations unlock the potential of language skills to drive business success. Here's how we made a difference this year.
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the highlights, achievements and innovations that shaped education in 2024. For educators everywhere, this has been a year of growth, adaptation and pushing boundaries to empower both students and teachers. Whether you’ve been focused on refining your teaching practices or adopting new educational technologies, there’s plenty to celebrate and learn from this year.
Here’s a look back at some of the major app Languages educator highlights in 2024.
The end of the school year can be bittersweet. Students are excited for the holidays, but teachers have the tricky task of keeping their attention as focus starts to fade. The upside? It’s the perfect chance to make this time fun, memorable and engaging with creative classroom ideas that really stick. Here's a list of end-of-year school activities to ensure your students stay motivated all the way to the final bell.
Longer projects are perfect for the end of the year because they encourage deeper engagement. Here are a few ideas to try out.
With the festive season approaching, it’s the perfect excuse to blend learning with holiday cheer.
Interactive games are an easy way to maintain focus and excitement.
Encourage collaboration with team tasks that bring students together.
Don’t hesitate to think outside the box with these unique ideas:
Every great year deserves a great finish. Host a lesson that brings your students closer together.
The end of the school year doesn’t have to signal the end of learning. With a bit of creativity, teachers can make the last weeks of school productive and enjoyable. From fun classroom activities to meaningful year-end projects for students, these ideas will set the stage for a memorable finish.
