December 10th is HUMAN RIGHTS DAY as proclaimed by the United Nations in 1950. Drafted in 1948 by a mix of representatives from around the world, the Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN to help protect all people in the world from oppression and discrimination. While this might be a sensitive topic for some of your ESL students, reading and discussing the 30 Declarations of Human Rights could lead to some stimulating conversations (and writing topics) on current world issues.
WARM-UP CONVERSATION QUESTIONS ON HUMAN RIGHTS By ESL Made Easy:
1. What do we need, as human beings, to survive? Do these needs change from person to person? What about from country to country? Explain. 2. If animals are kept as companions, what rights should they be entitled to? Are there any laws for pet owners in your country? What about laws to protect wild animals? 3. How are the elderly viewed in your country of origin? Do they face any specific challenges in terms of protecting their human rights? If so, what measures are being taken to protect them? 4. Privacy is a human right. Do you think this human right has been violated due to technology and social media over the years? If so, explain. 5. Everyone has a right to 'Rest and Relaxation'. What does this mean to you and how is this right being met in schools and workplaces in your country?
RECOMMENDED LINKS AROUND THE TOPIC OF HUMAN RIGHTS:
With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are getting in the spirit of shopping! It's a good time to get your ESL students talking about shopping and how it relates to CONSUMERISM. There is no shortage of vocabulary, expressions and phrases when it comes to teaching around the theme of SHOPPING (see recommended links) and all the linking topics including sales and discounts, types of stores, online shopping, as well as the countless number of products that society needs and of course wants.
Have your students talk about the culture of shopping in their country and see if it compares to days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday (kick offs to the official start of the holiday shopping madness this Friday, November 24th and Monday, November 27th).
1. Do you like to shop and if so, what are some things you usually like to shop for besides the basics? 2. How have shops and stores changed over the years? How does this compare to shops and stores in your home country? 3. Are you an online shopper and if so, what do you typically buy? How does this experience compare to shopping in a physical store? 4. How are the terms 'consumption' and 'consumerism' related? What role does consumerism play in the environment, the economy, and in our daily life? Do you think consumerism can affect our well being? 5. What are the differences between "needs" and "wants"? Do you think society's needs and wants have changed over the years? If so, what could be some of the reasons besides creative and sneaky marketing strategies? 6. How has the role of marketing and advertising influenced consumerism? Can you give any specific examples?
RECOMMENDED ESL LINKS AROUND THE TOPIC CONSUMERISM:
WATCH: Music video for the song "One Day" was produced by Life Vest Inside. It shows just how "kindness can be contagious". November 13th is World Kindness Day. Created in 1997, this special day was developed by a group of humanitarians in Japan who felt that we needed a day to help us all focus on making the world a better place. The idea is that by performing local "random acts of kindness" such as holding the door open for a stranger, paying someone a compliment or donating items to a local charity, we can actually help make the world a better and kinder place.
WORLD KINDNESS DAY makes for an excellent discussion topic and also represents a great opportunity to become part of the solution. After discussing the topic, why not challenge your ESL students to perform their own "random acts of kindness" on November 13th? The next day have a follow up discussion about their experiences!
CONVERSATION QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC OF WORLD KINDNESS DAY BY ESL MADE EASY:
1. When was the last time you went out of your way to be really kind to someone? What did you do and how did it make you and the other person feel? 2. When was the last time you felt someone went out of their way to be kind to you? What did they do? 3. What might cause some people to "pretend" to be a kind person? 4. Can being kind really make a difference in life? Explain. 5. What could be some negatives associated with being too kind a person? 6. What are some things that could affect someone's ability to be kind? (i.e. weather, money, health...etc)
RECOMMENDED LINKS FOR ESL STUDENTS ON THE TOPIC OF WORLD KINDNESS DAY:
November 11th, known as Remembrance Day, Veterans Day and even Poppy Day in some parts of the world, is a time to recognize and remember those courageous soldiers, airmen and sailors who died during times of armed conflict. Originally associated with WW1, the scope of this day has since been expanded to acknowledge those who served in other wars as well as those currently serving.
CONVERSATION QUESTIONS THAT FOCUS ON PEACE BYESL MADE EASY:
1. What do the words 'peace' and 'freedom' stand for? Which is more important to you?
2. In what ways do countries try to achieve and maintain peace? What are some of the laws surrounding the concept of peace in your country?
3. What is your ideal vision of peace in the world? Do you think it is, or will ever be, achievable? Why or why not?
4. What are some characteristics of peaceful people? How can we teach our children to live peaceful lives? If the world was full of just peaceful people, what do you think it would be like?
CONVERSATION QUESTIONS ON THE TOPIC OF REMEMBRANCE/VETERANS DAY:
